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Solar Operation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... growing Operations & Management (O&M) team. These roles are critical to ensuring the reliable ...

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... growing Operations & Management (O&M) team. These roles are critical to ensuring the reliable ...

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Prepare technical drawings, specifications of PV systems to ensure that installation and operations ... Manage professional engineer review process to obtain PE stamps on drawing packages. * Provide ...

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Prepare technical drawings, specifications of PV systems to ensure that installation and operations ... Manage professional engineer review process to obtain PE stamps on drawing packages. * Provide ...

MaxSolar is a leading provider of Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Asset Management and Technical Services for solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems in the commercial marketplace. As a ...

Engineering Portfolio Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $137K/yr

Manage a portfolio of utility-scale, commercial, and/or distributed solar projects through the independent engineering technical review process. * Work with multiple teams within Operations ...

Engineering Portfolio Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $137K/yr

Manage a portfolio of utility-scale, commercial, and/or distributed solar projects through the independent engineering technical review process. * Work with multiple teams within Operations ...

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Solar Operation Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$65.4K

$122.1K

How much do solar operation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar operation manager in Chicago, IL is $65,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar operation manager do?

A Solar Operation Manager oversees the daily operations and maintenance of solar power plants or facilities. Their responsibilities include ensuring optimal performance of solar equipment, managing maintenance schedules, supervising technical staff, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They also analyze system data to maximize energy production and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Effective Solar Operation Managers play a key role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and profitability of solar energy assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar operation manager?

To thrive as a Solar Operation Manager, you need a solid understanding of solar energy systems, project management experience, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and industry certifications like NABCEP are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient plant operations, regulatory compliance, and the long-term success of solar projects.

What are some common challenges faced by solar operation managers, and how can they be addressed?

Solar Operation Managers often face challenges such as maintaining optimal plant performance, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and managing unexpected equipment failures. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective preventive maintenance schedules, and close collaboration with engineering and technical teams. Keeping up-to-date with industry best practices and investing in staff training can also help managers mitigate these issues and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Solar Operation Manager vs Solar Maintenance Technician?

AspectSolar Operation ManagerSolar Maintenance Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related field; certifications like NABCEP are commonUsually requires technical certifications in solar system installation and maintenance; relevant experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees operations, manages teams, and coordinates projects; office and site visitsPerforms hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on solar systems at various sites
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by solar companies, utilities, or project developers; focuses on operational efficiencyEmployed by solar installation companies or maintenance firms; focuses on system upkeep and repairs

The Solar Operation Manager focuses on overseeing solar projects, managing teams, and ensuring operational efficiency, while the Solar Maintenance Technician handles the hands-on maintenance and repair of solar systems. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

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

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

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Solar Operation Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Solar Operation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Operation Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,369 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Solar Construction Manager (Chicago)

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Us
ย 
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 fastest, smartest way to build new clean power - delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America's energy and future right where it's needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we're reshaping how - and how fast - energy gets built in the U.S.
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Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.
ย 
Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.
ย 
We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously - but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we're collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other - whether that's troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.
ย 
If you're looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment - and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. - we'd love to meet you.
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About The Role

We're looking for a Construction Manager to join our Operations team and lead the on-site execution of commercial solar projects. In this role, you'll be responsible for overseeing all construction activities, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and schedule management. You will coordinate with subcontractors, internal teams, and field personnel to ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with engineers, subcontractors, field labor and vendors on site to coordinate activities and ensure that all work is in sync with project goals and objectives.
  • Visit sites regularly during construction - including bid walks, preconstruction walks, in-progress visits, punch walks, and closeouts - and attend status and coordination meetings.
  • Conduct and document quality assurance and safety inspections throughout the construction process, ensuring that the work environment is acceptable, and that tools and equipment are in good working condition.
  • Plan, execute, and take responsibility for self-performed work and managing labor crews and subcontractors. Plan sequencing, crew-sizes, productivity goals, and monthly labor spend.
  • Execute work and track actual results, adjusting and refining forecasts to reflect actual Production.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience working on solar commercial construction projects.
  • Strong understanding of rooftop installations.
  • Knowledge of ground-mount and carport commercial PV construction means and methods preferred.
  • Understanding of behind-the-meter and utility interconnections.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented self-starter.
  • Knowledge of construction safety requirements; OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with willingness to travel to various job sites.
  • Ability to climb ladders and access building roofs.
  • Must have previous knowledge in Microsoft based platforms.
$70,000 - $100,000 a year
Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
Benefits and Perks
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We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
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ย ย ย ย ย ย  Training / Professional development opportunities
ย ย ย ย ย ย  401(k) with 4% company match
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Summer Fridays
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Flexible remote/hybrid work options
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Paid parental leave
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Medical, dental, and vision coverage
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
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ย 
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ADA Accommodation Statement
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Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [emailย protected].
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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