ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solar Grading Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

RWE

Sr. Preconstruction Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... wind, solar, and storage renewable energy projects-including engineering, permitting ... e.g., grading, drainage, utility crossings), ensuring regulatory compliance through detailed ...

RWE

Sr. Preconstruction Manager

Chicago, IL

... wind, solar, and storage renewable energy projects-including engineering, permitting ... e.g., grading, drainage, utility crossings), ensuring regulatory compliance through detailed ...

Hansoninc

Senior Civil Site Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

Power projects may include substations, solar farms, wind farms, and battery storage facilities ... grading, storm water design, rail and roadways, utilities, and agency and railroad coordination.

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

... solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A ... Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design. * Experience with roadway and ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL

... solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A ... Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design. * Experience with roadway and ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A ... Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design. * Experience with roadway and ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

... solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A ... Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design. * Experience with roadway and ...

previous page

Showing results 21-35

All JobsSolar Grading JobsSolar Grading Jobs in Chicago, IL

Solar Grading information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$50.5K

$106.1K

$167.4K

How much do solar grading jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar grading in Chicago, IL is $106,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $145,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is solar grading?

Solar grading refers to the process of preparing and leveling land for the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure. This involves removing obstacles, shaping the terrain, and ensuring proper drainage to support solar arrays. Proper grading ensures stability, maximizes sunlight exposure, and helps prevent issues like erosion or water pooling around the solar equipment. It is a crucial step in constructing efficient and long-lasting solar energy systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a solar grading technician?

In a solar grading role, your daily tasks typically include operating heavy machinery to level and prepare land for solar panel installation, ensuring that the ground is stable and properly sloped for optimal panel alignment and drainage. You'll work closely with site engineers and construction teams to interpret site plans, address any unexpected terrain challenges, and maintain safety standards on-site. This role is critical to the overall success of a solar project, as precise grading directly impacts the structural integrity and efficiency of the solar array. Attention to detail and teamwork are essential, as you’ll collaborate with multiple trades throughout the installation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar grading technician?

To thrive as a Solar Grading Technician, you need experience in site preparation, earthmoving, and familiarity with construction drawings, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Proficiency with heavy machinery such as graders, bulldozers, and GPS-based grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and precise preparation of sites for solar panel installation, which is critical for project success.

What is the difference between Solar Grading vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar GradingSolar Installer
CredentialsTypically requires electrical or construction certificationsRequires electrical, roofing, or general construction certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on rooftops or solar sites, focusing on system assessmentOn-site installation, including mounting panels and wiring
Industry UsageInvolved in system evaluation and preparationHands-on installation and setup of solar systems

Solar Grading and Solar Installer roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Solar Grading involves assessing and preparing sites, while Solar Installers handle the physical installation. Both require technical certifications and work outdoors, but their daily tasks and responsibilities vary significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Grading jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Solar Grading jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Grading jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Grading jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Solar Grading jobs near you

Senior Professional Engineer, Civil - Site Design

TKDA

Downers Grove, IL • Hybrid

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

At our 100% employee-owned engineering firm, you'll actually own a piece of every project you help deliver. We're looking for a Senior Professional Civil Engineer who loves variety—from renewable energy sites to food processing facilities, academic campuses to municipal infrastructure.
 
You'll work out of our Downers Grove, Illinois office, leading project teams, mentor junior engineers, and work directly with clients on everything from preliminary design through construction. One day you might be tackling stormwater management, the next you're designing utility infrastructure or managing a corporate campus development.
 
We follow a "seller-doer" approach, which means you'll collaborate with our Market Managers to build client relationships while focusing on what you do best—great engineering and project leadership. No pressure to be a full-time salesperson, just authentic client partnerships that grow naturally from solid work.
 
Ready to join a team where your success directly impacts your future? Let's talk.
 
Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday - Thursday in office \u007C Monday & Friday WFH
 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota or Illinois.
  • Minimum of ten years of progressive technical design experience with site development projects including site layouts, site grading, roadway design, utility design, vehicular and/or pedestrian access, stormwater management, and site permitting.
  • Minimum of five years of progressive and successful experience managing projects; strong working knowledge of the project development process including coordination with other disciplines during design and construction.
  • Minimum of two years of business development experience demonstrated by a track record of securing new project opportunities.
  • Ability to apply effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills when developing proposals, negotiating project contracts, preparing technical reports, leading project team meetings, and delivering client presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop less experienced professionals with an emphasis on technical design standards, quality control, and/or project management practices.
  • Provide and lead Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) reviews for civil projects.
  • Experience working with regulatory agencies, and knowledge of the permit application process with FEMA, DOT, DNR, and state / local government entities.
  • Experience and understanding of AutoCAD Civil 3D used to develop site designs.
  • Flexibility for limited overnight travel to conduct on-site consultations, participate in project meetings, or attend business development and industry events.
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
Advantageous Qualifications
  • Active professional registration or the ability to obtain registrations in additional states with a preference of Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Iowa.
  • Prior management and site design experience for private commercial / industrial developers.
  • Prior management and site design experience for renewable energy (solar and/or wind) infrastructure and facilities.
The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 10-15 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. 
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.


*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.
TKDA logo

About TKDA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1910

Social media

Twitter

View All TKDA Jobs