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Solar Grading Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer- Renewables

Northville, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... solar energy and/or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site development experience including site layout, grading, storm water management, pile layout, landscape buffer design, and other project ...

Civil Engineer- Renewables

Northville, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... solar energy and/or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site development experience including site layout, grading, storm water management, pile layout, landscape buffer design, and other project ...

Solar Grading information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$48.5K

$101.9K

$160.9K

How much do solar grading jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar grading in Detroit, MI is $101,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $140,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is working in solar grading a good career?

Solar grading involves preparing and leveling land for solar panel installation, requiring physical work and knowledge of construction tools. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in the renewable energy industry, especially for those with technical skills and safety training.

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 popular job titles related to Solar Grading jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Solar Grading jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Civil Engineer - Kiewit Power Engineering

Kiewit Corporation

Detroit, MI • On-site, Remote

$138K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Requisition ID: 179046 

Job Level: Senior Level 

Home District/Group: Kiewit Power Engineering 

Department: Design Engineering 

Market: Power 

Employment Type: Full Time 

Position Overview

Kiewit's Power Engineering Group is actively seeking talented Civil Engineers to join our dynamic engineering team. In this role, you will support or lead site development projects across a diverse range of industries, contributing to innovative and impactful infrastructure solutions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and leadership to guide engineering and design teams in delivering excellence in administration, technical execution, quality assurance, and safety compliance.

District Overview

Kiewit's Power Engineering Group brings various project types to life across North America, including gas-fired generation, power delivery, environmental retrofits, renewables and new technology, and water/wastewater. Our staff leads the power markets engineering process and collaborates with Kiewit's construction teams to focus on safe, cost-effective and innovative designs that achieve client expectations and further Kiewit's legacy of excellence. 

Location

This position can be based in any of the following office locations: Lenexa, KS; Houston, TX; Lone Tree, CO; New York City, NY; Phoenix/Tempe, AZ; Raleigh, NC; or Woodcliff Lake, NJ.

For roles in Chattanooga, TN; Detroit, MI; or Richmond, VA, the position will start remotely and transition to a hybrid/in office arrangement once a new office is established.

Responsibilities
  • Lead site civil design tasks and teams, acting as responsible engineer in charge as needed.
  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate junior staff.
  • Oversee creation of surface models utilizing Civil3D and/or other similar design software.
  • Lead interdisciplinary design coordination to ensure that project elements are accounted for.
  • Create preliminary design concepts and alternatives to support cost estimating.
  • Lead project technical meetings and provide coordination to resolve design issues.
  • Execute final design of project elements such as grading and earthwork design, hydrology and hydraulics, roadway design, and overall site design.
  • Lead the Designers in the use of data-driven design to make intelligent decisions on design solutions and process.
  • Develop permit and third-party strategies for projects from the early stages of development through completion of approvals and agreements. This may include:
    • Environmental permits
    • Drainage permitting both permanent and temporary modifications
    • General Municipality requirements
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering minimum required.
  • 7+ years of civil engineering design experience.
  • Strong technical background in general site civil design, drainage systems, grading, and roads/paving.
  • Knowledgeable in multiple engineering design software. AutoCAD Civil 3D experience is a must.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer with NCEES record required.
  • Familiarity with design-build/EPC is preferred.
  • Industrial, municipal water, and solar experience is a plus.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

#LI-SM1

 Other Requirements:
    Regular, reliable attendance

    Work productively and meet deadlines timely

    Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment
    Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
    Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.

    May work at various different locations and conditions may vary.

Base Compensation: $138,000/yr - $145,000/yr 
(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

This posting will be active from:  08/03/2026  - 10/31/2026  

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884