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Solar Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Solar Installer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

As a Solar Installer, you will be responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops or other structures in compliance with site assessment and ...

Essel

Solar Installer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

As a Solar Installer, you will be responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops or other structures in compliance with site assessment and ...

Essel

Solar Installer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28/hr

As a Solar Installer, you will be responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops or other structures in compliance with site assessment and ...

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 ...

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All JobsSolar Engineer JobsSolar Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Solar Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$51.1K

$107.4K

$169.5K

How much do solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar engineer in Riverside, CA is $107,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,600.00 and $147,600.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Solar Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Solar Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Solar Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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

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

Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,409 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Solar Project Site Design Technician

Orange County Solar Contracting Services Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct detailed site assessments for residential, commercial, and other solar projects.

  • Develop solar-array layouts, equipment placement plans, and conduit routing based on site conditions and standards.

  • Inspect electrical equipment, document site conditions, and coordinate with various project stakeholders to ensure accurate and practical project designs.

Job description

Solar Project Site Design Technician – Job Posting Description

About the Role

OC Solar is seeking an experienced Solar Project Site Design Technician to conduct detailed project-site assessments and develop practical field-based designs for solar photovoltaic, battery-storage, roofing, and related energy projects.

This is a hybrid field and technical-design position. The employee will inspect project sites, validate the sold scope, develop solar-array layouts, plan equipment locations and conduit routes, apply applicable NEC and local jurisdiction requirements, and provide Design, Engineering, Permitting, and Construction with the information needed to produce an accurate and constructible project plan.

The ideal candidate understands both how solar projects are designed and how they are installed in the field. This person must be technically capable, highly detail-oriented, comfortable interacting with customers, and able to safely work on roofs and in attics.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct residential, commercial, and other assigned solar-project site assessments.
  • Measure, chalk, photograph, and document roof planes using approved manual, digital, aerial, and photographic methods.
  • Evaluate roof type, pitch, condition, shading, obstructions, setbacks, access pathways, attic framing, structural conditions, and installation constraints.
  • Develop proposed solar-array layouts based on usable roof area, equipment specifications, shading, fire-access requirements, customer objectives, and applicable jurisdictional standards.
  • Inspect and document utility meters, main service panels, subpanels, existing solar systems, battery systems, EV chargers, generators, and related electrical equipment.
  • Open or remove electrical-panel covers or dead fronts for observation and documentation when trained, authorized, properly equipped, and able to do so safely.
  • Develop proposed locations for inverters, batteries, gateways, load centers, disconnects, combiner panels, rapid-shutdown equipment, and related components.
  • Plan practical conduit and wiring routes using exterior, attic, garage, crawlspace, underground, or other appropriate pathways.
  • Identify potential main-panel upgrades, service modifications, interconnection issues, trenching, roofing work, structural concerns, and other project-scope changes.
  • Apply working knowledge of the National Electrical Code, utility requirements, manufacturer specifications, fire-access standards, and local Authority Having Jurisdiction requirements.
  • Compare the sales proposal and customer expectations against actual site conditions and promptly escalate material discrepancies.
  • Explain proposed layouts, equipment locations, routing, aesthetic impacts, and construction considerations to customers.
  • Obtain customer acknowledgment of proposed equipment locations when required, while explaining that final designs remain subject to technical, utility, permitting, and jurisdictional approval.
  • Complete required photographs, measurements, sketches, layouts, checklists, design notes, and electronic documentation accurately and on time.
  • Coordinate with Sales, Design, Engineering, Permitting, Roofing, Electrical, Construction, and Operations.
  • Participate in project-quality reviews and incorporate installation feedback into future site assessments and designs.
  • Protect customer property and maintain professional conduct at every project location.
  • Follow all company safety policies, fall-protection requirements, electrical-safety procedures, and applicable Cal/OSHA standards.

This position develops project layouts and field-design solutions within established company standards and the employee’s training and authority. It does not independently stamp engineering plans, approve structural calculations, guarantee permitting or utility approval, or perform electrical installation or repair unless the employee is separately trained, qualified, assigned, and authorized.

Required Qualifications
  • At least two years of relevant experience in solar design, solar installation, site surveying, battery storage, electrical work, roofing, construction, permitting, or a related technical field.
  • Experience conducting detailed solar-project site assessments.
  • Ability to develop solar-array layouts, equipment-placement plans, and conduit-routing concepts.
  • Working knowledge of the NEC as it applies to solar photovoltaic systems, battery-storage systems, electrical-service equipment, rapid shutdown, disconnects, conductor routing, and interconnection.
  • Familiarity with Southern California utilities, AHJs, fire-access requirements, and permitting practices.
  • Ability to read and interpret preliminary layouts, plan sets, single-line diagrams, manufacturer specifications, and electrical-equipment information.
  • Ability to identify roofing, structural, electrical, code, safety, customer-scope, and installation constraints.
  • Proficiency with mobile applications, digital photography, cloud-based systems, field-measurement tools, and solar-design software.
  • Strong technical judgment, attention to detail, organization, documentation, problem-solving, and customer-communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple appointments, and communicate effectively with internal project teams.
  • Valid California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable under company insurance requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Three or more years of solar-site assessment, solar-design, installation, electrical, or battery-storage experience.
  • Experience with residential and commercial solar projects.
  • Experience designing battery-storage and backup-power systems.
  • Knowledge of main-panel upgrades, electrical-service modifications, load centers, and backup-load planning.
  • Experience using AutoCAD, Aurora Solar, Scanifly, Solo, OpenSolar, SiteCapture, or similar platforms.
  • Experience with Tesla Powerwall or comparable battery-storage systems.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
  • FAA Remote Pilot Certificate or drone-survey experience.
  • NABCEP, manufacturer, electrical, roofing, inspection, or other relevant technical training.
  • Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Lift, carry, position, and transport ladders, tools, PPE, and survey equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Climb and work from ladders.
  • Work at heights and on pitched roofs when conditions permit safe access.
  • Walk, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, reach, balance, and climb throughout the workday.
  • Enter attics, garages, crawlspaces, electrical areas, and other limited-access spaces when necessary and safely accessible.
  • Work outdoors in heat, sunlight, cold, wind, dust, and changing weather conditions.
  • Work around roofing materials, insulation, electrical equipment, construction environments, insects, animals, and other common property conditions.
  • Use fall-protection equipment, cameras, mobile devices, measuring tools, and other assigned survey equipment.
  • Drive for extended periods and travel between multiple customer or project locations.

Employees must evaluate roof, ladder, attic, electrical, and weather conditions before proceeding and must stop work when conditions are unsafe. Approved alternative survey methods must be used when direct access cannot be completed safely.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Solar Project Site Design Technicians provide complete, accurate, and constructible field designs that allow projects to proceed with minimal avoidable redesigns, return visits, change orders, or installation delays.

Performance will be evaluated based on:

  • Survey and design accuracy
  • Completeness and timeliness of documentation
  • Application of established NEC, AHJ, utility, and manufacturer requirements
  • Identification of sales-scope and field-condition discrepancies
  • First-pass acceptance by Design and Engineering
  • Reduction in avoidable installation changes and delays
  • Customer communication and property protection
  • Safety compliance
  • Effective coordination with internal teams
Compensation and Benefits

Hourly pay range: $27.00–$33.00 per hour

Compensation within the range will depend on relevant experience, technical knowledge, software proficiency, certifications, and ability to independently perform the full scope of the position.

OC Solar offers:

  • 4 Day – 10 Hour per Schedule (AWS) – You get a 3 day weekend every week
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance and additional benefits
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • 401(k) plan with Company Contribution
  • Company vehicle or mileage arrangement where applicable
  • Company-provided PPE, tools, and survey equipment
  • Training and certification opportunities
  • Company perks and Company events
Equal Employment Opportunity

OC Solar is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other status protected by applicable law.