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Solar Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Lead Power System Electrical Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · Hybrid

$162K - $169K/yr

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

Planted Solar

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 ...

Planted Solar

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$125K - $165K/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 ...

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 ...

K2 Space

Head of Solar

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... 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 ...

K2 Space

Head of Solar

Los Angeles, CA

... 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 ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of ...

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All JobsSolar Power Engineer JobsSolar Power Engineer Jobs in California

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 Jun 17, 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.

Is solar engineering a good career?

Solar power engineering is a growing field with increasing demand for renewable energy solutions, offering opportunities in design, installation, and maintenance of solar systems. It typically requires technical skills, knowledge of electrical or mechanical systems, and relevant certifications, making it a viable career choice for those interested in sustainable technology. Job prospects are expected to expand as the industry advances and governments promote clean energy initiatives.

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-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or management positions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-paying industries or companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Power Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

How much do solar energy engineers make?

Solar power engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high solar adoption.
What are popular job titles related to Solar Power Engineer jobs in California? For Solar Power Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Solar Power Engineer jobs near you
Senior Electrical Engineer - Space Power Systems

Senior Electrical Engineer - Space Power Systems

Starpath

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Senior Electrical Engineer - Space Power Systems
Position Details
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Starlight Solar
About Starpath
Starpath develops and manufactures the technologies that will enable humans to live on the Moon and Mars. Today, we are building robotic systems that locally produce the essential commodities a lunar civilization will require at extreme scale: water, power, and oxygen. Our ultimate goal is to build and operate a self-sustaining city on Mars.
The Role
The Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar power to support Starpath's core mission and the greater space economy. Starlight manufactures the lowest cost and highest performance space solar ever, which will power the majority of new satellites built on Earth and all of Starpath's equipment on the Moon and Mars.
This is a build-first, lead-by-doing role-high autonomy, high accountability, minimal bureaucracy.
Responsibilities
  • Design and analyze electrical architectures for space solar panels and power interfaces
  • Define electrical requirements and interfaces with customer spacecraft systems
  • Support trade studies related to power generation, regulation, and distribution
  • Collaborate with mechanical, materials, manufacturing, and reliability teams
  • Support qualification and acceptance testing from an electrical perspective
  • Contribute to future product roadmaps and power system concepts

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or higher in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 8+ years experience in electrical or power systems engineering
  • Experience with high-reliability or aerospace hardware
  • Strong fundamentals in power electronics, harnessing, and electrical interfaces
  • Ability to operate in an early-stage, evolving technical environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with space solar arrays, deployables, power systems packaging, or similar hardware
  • EMI/EMC experience
  • Startup / small-team environment experience
  • Experience preparing hardware for environmental qualification (TVAC/vibe/radiation planning)
Compensation & Benefits
  • Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
  • Salary base rate is $110-$180k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience. Option for performance based incentives.
  • PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included

EAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity
Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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