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Solar Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer , reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer , reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

Better Earth

Solar Installer

Cerritos, CA

$25/hr

... boxes per engineering plans and NEC code Assist with ground-level work including trenching ... solar installation experience - REQUIRED Must be at least 21 years of age Valid state driver ...

Better Earth

Solar Installer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

... boxes per engineering plans and NEC code ● Assist with ground-level work including trenching ... solar installation experience -- REQUIRED ● Must be at least 21 years of age ● Valid state ...

Better Earth

Solar Installer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

... boxes per engineering plans and NEC code • Assist with ground-level work including trenching ... solar installation experience - REQUIRED • Must be at least 21 years of age • Valid state ...

LGCY Power

Solar Installer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

In the Solar Installer role, you will be working as a team to install residential solar systems in a safe and efficient manner. We will rely on the Solar Installer to assist in developing a culture ...

LGCY Power

Solar Installer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

In the Solar Installer role, you will be working as a team to install residential solar systems in a safe and efficient manner. We will rely on the Solar Installer to assist in developing a culture ...

Sunlux

Electrician / Solar Installer

Placentia, CA · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Sunlux is a leading provider of solar energy solutions committed to delivering excellence in renewable energy installations. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Solar Installer ...

LGCY Power

Solar Installer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

In the Solar Installer role, you will be working as a team to install residential solar systems in a safe and efficient manner. We will rely on the Solar Installer to assist in developing a culture ...

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All JobsSolar Engineer JobsSolar Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

Solar Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$52.6K

$110.5K

$174.4K

How much do solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar engineer in Irvine, CA is $110,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $151,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solar engineer?

Solar engineers plan, design, and execute solar energy projects, from the installation of new solar energy panels on a home to the building of a new solar power plant. Typically, one engineer is required for solar panel installation on a single rooftop. Larger projects, such as new power plants or large panel installations, need multiple solar engineers to handle the logistics. As a solar engineer, you visit the installation site and meet with customers to discuss and resolve any budgetary, feasibility, and design issues. Before any construction begins, you work with designers and engineers to determine the appropriate arrangement of solar panels to maximize efficiency. With the plan in place, you coordinate the teams that are working on the project and procure materials and equipment, create contracts with electrical and building contractors, and communicate with OEM companies to ensure that the parts for the facility are made to the proper specifications. You provide timely written and verbal updates throughout the construction process to the clients. Once the project is complete, you work with the client or the facility’s managers and maintenance personnel to ensure that the site is in good working order and all designs and specifications are available for continued site maintenance.

What does a solar engineer do?

A Solar Engineer designs, develops, and oversees the installation and maintenance of solar energy systems, such as solar panels and photovoltaic cells. They work to optimize the efficiency and reliability of these systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Solar Engineers also assess project sites, perform technical analyses, and ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards. Their work helps advance the adoption of renewable energy and reduce environmental impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with expertise in solar energy systems and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PV system design software (like PVsyst), CAD tools, and industry certifications such as NABCEP are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and innovative solar solutions that meet both technical and client requirements in a rapidly growing industry.

What are some common challenges solar engineers face when working on large-scale solar projects?

Solar Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing project timelines, and addressing site-specific constraints like land availability or local weather conditions. Ensuring regulatory compliance and grid connectivity can also be complex due to varying regional requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as engineers frequently collaborate with construction teams, suppliers, and local authorities to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Solar Engineer vs Solar Technician?

AspectSolar EngineerSolar Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like NABCEP (optional)High school diploma or technical training; NABCEP certification preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, and system analysisInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, solar companies, project developersInstallation companies, maintenance service providers

Solar Engineers focus on designing and planning solar power systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance. Solar Technicians handle the hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of solar panels. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

Are solar engineers in demand?

Solar engineers are in high demand due to the growth of renewable energy projects and increasing investments in solar power infrastructure. They typically require technical skills in system design, installation, and maintenance, and job opportunities are expected to expand as the industry continues to grow globally.
More about Solar Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Solar Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Solar Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Solar Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Solar Engineer job openings:

Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,510 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Solar Array Engineer

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America's next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer, reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
  • Define requirements and trade architectures of solar arrays.
  • Select and qualify materials and vendors for solar arrays.
  • Develop and qualify processes for welding, adhesion, lamination of solar cells.
  • Test and qualify designs to AIAA S112 standards.
  • Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance teams for end-to-end integration.
  • Troubleshoot issues across the product lifecycle-from design through integration and testing.
  • Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and technical documentation for internal and NASA deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • Experience working with design, manufacture and verification of photovoltaics or similar composite structures.

Preferred Skills & Experience:
  • Experience in the space industry, including developing, building, and testing solar arrays.
  • Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112.
  • Proactive problem-solving skills such as failure analysis and root cause investigation.
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
  • Design work in recent versions of NX, Teamcenter.
  • Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, FeMap/Nastran, Abaqus, Thermal Desktop.
  • Experience with GD&T implementation and analysis (ASME Y14.5).
  • Familiarity with spacecraft specifications such as SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5001, and NASA-STD-5019.

Additional Requirements:
  • Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:
  • Solar Array Engineer II: $110,000 - $140,000
  • Senior Solar Array Engineer: $140,000 - $175,000

Pay Range: California
$110,000-$175,000 USD
We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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