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Solar Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical ...

Beyond SOF

Solar Power Engineer

Washington, DC

The Solar Power Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing solar power systems to support the company's energy needs. Main Responsibilities and Duties: Design and implement solar power ...

Beyond SOF

Solar Power Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The Solar Power Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing solar power systems to support the company's energy needs. Main Responsibilities and Duties: Design and implement solar power ...

Vast

Solar Arrays Engineer l

Long Beach, CA

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

Impulse Space

Solar Array Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Solar Array Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $110,000 - $150,000 / year Description As a Solar Array Test ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today -- we're changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the ...

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$49K

$103K

$162.5K

How much do solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar engineer in the United States is $102,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized engineer, such as a petroleum engineer, aerospace engineer, or software engineer in high-paying industries, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

What do you do as a solar engineer?

A solar engineer designs, develops, and tests solar energy systems, including photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors. They analyze site conditions, create system layouts, and ensure installations meet safety and efficiency standards, often using specialized software and technical certifications. Their work supports the deployment of renewable energy solutions in various environments.

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.

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.

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 often benefit from industry certifications. The job outlook is positive as the solar industry expands globally to meet renewable energy goals.

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.

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Solar Engineer jobs near you
Staff Solar Performance Engineer - Solar (Multiple Locations)

Staff Solar Performance Engineer - Solar (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 78 rated construction

Job description

Description The Power global practice at Burns & McDonnell provides a comprehensive approach to power generation solutions from project siting and permitting through turnkey construction and startup and commissioning. Our experience covers the full breadth of renewable power generation technologies, including: utility-scale solar, battery storage, hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear plant services.
Burns & McDonnell's Power global practice is seeking to hire an experienced Solar Performance Engineer to support our collection of active utility-scale solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects through preconstruction, commissioning, testing, and project turnover. This role will focus on solar energy modeling, performance guarantee support, and performance testing for projects typically ranging from 65 MWdc to 400 MWdc.
The Solar Performance Engineer will serve as a technical resource across project phases, helping to establish expected plant performance during preconstruction and validating actual performance during commissioning and testing prior to substantial completion. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, project management, and clients to develop site-specific performance test procedures, analyze SCADA and meteorological data, evaluate equipment performance, detect and resolve performance deficiencies, and support successful demonstration of contractual performance guarantees.
This position is suited for an individual contributor or technical lead who is comfortable operating in both office and field environments. A successful individual is one who can translate plant design assumptions and contractual obligations into executable testing and analytical methods for EPC project delivery.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain project energy models for utility-scale solar projects using PVsyst to support preconstruction, proposal development, technical reviews, and performance guarantee assumptions.
  • Review design inputs and assumptions affecting modeled energy and performance, including meteorological data, equipment selection, loss assumptions, clipping, module soiling, and module degradation.
  • Support the technical review of performance guarantee exhibits, contracts, and test requirements. This includes identifying commercial and technical risks during both contract negotiations and project execution.
  • Develop capacity and availability test procedures in alignment with contract requirements, project design, and industry-accepted performance methodologies.
  • Perform capacity and availability test analyses to validate plant performance, determine pass/fail results, and write technical reports to support substantial completion.
  • Analyze SCADA, inverter, tracker, and MET station data to validate plant behavior, identify underperformance drivers, and support troubleshooting during commissioning and performance testing.
  • Validate equipment and plant-level performance by comparing measured field results to modeled expectations and design intent.
  • Coordinate with peers across the engineering, construction, startup and commissioning, and project management teams in order to prepare projects for successful performance testing and final turnover.
  • Support development of data collection requirements, instrumentation checks, and MET station validation needed for accurate performance testing.
  • Prepare technical memoranda, performance analyses, and test reports that clearly communicate assumptions, results, risks, and recommended corrective actions.
  • Perform on-site commissioning, test execution, punch list resolution, and substantial completion support.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of Burns & McDonnell's performance modeling, testing procedures, templates, and best practices across the solar EPC portfolio by staying up-to-date on industry trends, modeling methodology, and applicable codes or standards.
  • Comply with all company policies and standards, including by promoting a strong safety culture.
  • This role builds on the analytical and cross-functional foundation of Burns & McDonnell's solar engineering work while emphasizing performance validation and project closeout.
  • Support other duties as assigned to drive successful completion and closeout of EPC solar projects.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program.
  • 3 years of related professional electrical engineering experience, with solar EPC consulting experience preferred.
  • Experience with PVsyst for utility-scale solar energy modeling highly preferred.
  • Experience developing and/or executing capacity test and availability test procedures and analyses for solar projects is preferred.
  • Experience analyzing SCADA and MET data to evaluate plant and equipment performance, including inverters, trackers and met stations is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
  • Strong computer skills include AutoCAD, MicroStation, 2D and 3D rendering programs and other analysis programs.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarity with battery energy storage systems or hybrid plant performance is a plus.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.

Compensation
$110,000.00-175,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-MO-Saint Louis, US-AZ-Phoenix, US-MI-Detroit, US-TX-Houston, US-NC-Raleigh, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 262168
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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