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Solar Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Power Electronics Engineer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... About The Role This position sits within the core Engineering R&D group focused on our Solid-State ...

Head of Solar

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

... power levels no satellite has ever sustained, across the most demanding orbits in the solar system. Getting that right, at scale, is one of the most consequential engineering challenges in the ...

The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize. Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry ...

Solution Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize. Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry ...

Power Electronics Engineer - Space Solar Position Details Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA Employment Type: Full-time Department: Starlight Solar Travel: Occasional About Starpath Starpath ...

Test Engineer - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Test Engineer - Space Solar Position Details Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA Employment Type ... The Role The Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar power to support ...

Field Robotics Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize. Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry ...

The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize. Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry ...

Lead Power System Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · Hybrid

$162K - $169K/yr

The Lead Power Systems Electrical Engineer will lead the Power Systems Engineering team and ... Own the vehicle Power Budget including system loads, sizing of the solar array and battery pack ...

Mechanical Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. And we need help. We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and ...

Senior Test Engineer - Space Solar Hardware Position Details Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA ... The Role The Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar power to support ...

Civil Project Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize. Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry ...

Showing results 21-40

Solar Power Engineer information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$101.6K

$160.4K

How much do solar power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar power engineer in California is $101,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $139,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a solar power engineer typically collaborate with other teams during a project?

Solar Power Engineers often work closely with electrical engineers, project managers, construction teams, and permitting specialists to ensure the successful design and implementation of solar energy systems. Collaboration includes coordinating on site assessments, integrating system designs, addressing regulatory requirements, and overseeing installation processes. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as engineers must align technical solutions with project timelines and budget constraints while ensuring safety and compliance standards are met.

What is the difference between Solar Power Engineer vs Solar Design Engineer?

AspectSolar Power EngineerSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like NABCEP or PE often preferredBachelor's in Engineering or Architecture, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, system installation, troubleshootingOffice-based, system planning and design
Industry UsageDesign, installation, and maintenance of solar systemsSystem layout, shading analysis, and project planning

Both roles require technical knowledge and certifications, but Solar Power Engineers focus more on system installation and maintenance, while Solar Design Engineers specialize in planning and designing solar systems. They often collaborate but serve different stages of solar projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar power engineer?

To thrive as a Solar Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, renewable energy principles, and relevant engineering degrees. Familiarity with photovoltaic (PV) system design software, AutoCAD, and certification such as NABCEP are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills set exceptional engineers apart in this field. These skills and qualities are vital for designing efficient solar solutions, ensuring project success, and advancing sustainable energy initiatives.

What does a solar power engineer do?

A Solar Power Engineer designs, develops, and oversees the installation of solar energy systems, such as solar panels and related equipment. They assess sites for solar potential, create system layouts, and ensure installations are efficient and safe. Their work involves both technical knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, as well as compliance with relevant codes and regulations. Solar Power Engineers also work to optimize system performance and may be involved in research and development to improve solar technologies.

Is solar power engineering a good career?

Solar power engineering is a growing field that involves designing and implementing solar energy systems, often requiring knowledge of electrical engineering, renewable energy technologies, and relevant certifications. It offers opportunities in sustainable energy development, with demand increasing as the industry expands globally. The career typically involves project management, technical problem-solving, and staying updated on new solar technologies.
What job categories do people searching Solar Power Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Power Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Solar Power Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,606 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Power Electronics Engineer

Enphase Energy

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Enphase Energy rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Description
Enphase Energy is a global energy technology company and a leading provider of solar, battery, and electric vehicle charging products. Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a safer, more reliable, and scalable energy source. Today, the Enphase Energy System enables users to make, use, save, and sell their own power. Enphase is also one of the most successful and innovative clean energy companies in the world, with more than 80 million products shipped across 160 countries.
Join our dynamic team designing and developing next-gen energy technologies and help drive a sustainable future!
About The Role
This position sits within the core Engineering R&D group focused on our Solid-State Transformer (SST) platform. Our team is responsible for defining and delivering the next-generation power module, with higher power density to reduce footprint and thermal load. We're looking for a technically deep power electronics engineer focused on increasing efficiency while reducing cost per watt.
What You Will Do
  • Design and develop power conversion circuits and magnetics for the SST platform, optimizing for power density, efficiency, and thermal performance
  • Evaluate and integrate advanced power semiconductor devices (particularly, GaN) and planar magnetics to increase power throughput while shrinking module footprint
  • Translate modeling and simulation results into benchtop prototypes, and reconcile differences between predicted and measured performance
  • Drive design trade-offs across power density, efficiency, thermal management, and cost per watt to meet next-generation product targets
  • Co-design with mechanical and thermal engineering to jointly optimize packaging, cooling, and power density, and collaborate with controls engineering to integrate power modules into the SST platform
  • Lead root-cause analysis and design iteration based on test data to continuously improve power density and reliability

Who You Are and What You Bring
  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field
  • Engineer: BS + 3 yrs MS +1 yr; Senior Engineer: BS + 5 yrs MS + 3 yrs PhD + 1yr; Staff Engineer: BS + 8 yrs MS + 6 yrs PhD + 3 yrs
  • Typically, 4+ years of electronics hardware/system design experience (or equivalent depth of experience)
  • Hands-on experience in the full cycle of schematic capture, layout, and testing of power electronics, particularly if focused on power density
  • Proficiency with one or more ECAD tools such as OrCAD, KiCad, or Altium
  • Ability to translate modeling and simulation to benchtop performance and be able to reconcile differences between theory and practice
  • Familiarity with advanced power semiconductor devices and magnetics (particularly planar transformers)
  • Experience co-designing power electronics with mechanical and thermal engineering teams, balancing electrical performance against packaging and cooling constraints
  • Experience working with digital controls and automation necessary for power conversion testing

The base salary range for this position in Petaluma, CA is $95,000 to $145,000 and may vary based on experience, skills, and location.
This position is also eligible for bonus, equity, and benefits, with final compensation determined in accordance with applicable laws and internal equity.

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