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Solar Project Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Intertek

PV Solar Engineer

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

The PV Solar Engineer will be responsible for executing Engineering Services' projects such as: on-site inspections, audits, commissioning verifications, punch list generation, troubleshooting ...

Intertek

PV Solar Engineer

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

The PV Solar Engineer will be responsible for executing Engineering Services' projects such as: on-site inspections, audits, commissioning verifications, punch list generation, troubleshooting ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Site Assessor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $80K/yr

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 ...

RWE

Sr Manager, Solar Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a construction-related field from an accredited university ... solar and battery storage projects that safely deliver affordable, reliable electricity to our ...

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All JobsSolar Project Developer JobsSolar Project Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Solar Project Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$110.4K

$195.9K

How much do solar project developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project developer in Chicago, IL is $110,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $129,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Project Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Project Developer, you need a solid background in renewable energy, project management, and financial analysis, often supported by a degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard project modeling software, permitting systems, and certifications such as NABCEP are highly valuable. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for managing complex projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and successfully coordinating with diverse stakeholders across the solar development process.

What is a Solar Project Developer job?

A Solar Project Developer is responsible for overseeing the development of solar energy projects from inception to completion. This includes site selection, permitting, financing, and coordinating with stakeholders such as landowners, government agencies, and engineering teams. They ensure projects meet regulatory requirements, financial goals, and technical specifications. Strong project management, negotiation, and technical knowledge are essential for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Solar Project Developers in their day-to-day work?

Solar Project Developers frequently navigate complex regulatory requirements, manage multiple project timelines, and coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including landowners, government agencies, and utility companies. Balancing the technical, financial, and legal aspects of each project requires strong organizational and multitasking abilities. Adaptability is key, as unexpected permitting delays or changes in policy can significantly impact project progress. Support from a collaborative team and access to industry resources helps overcome these challenges and ensures projects run smoothly from inception to completion.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Solar Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Project Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Solar Project Developer jobs near you
Senior Solar Project Manager

Senior Solar Project Manager

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

About Us
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About The Role
We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead and oversee a portfolio of commercial solar PV projects across their full lifecycle. This role is responsible not only for the successful execution of individual projects, but also for mentoring and developing Project Managers, driving consistency and best practices across projects, and maintaining full accountability for portfolio-level budget, schedule, safety, quality, and risk.
The Senior Project Manager serves as a key leader within the Project Management organization, partnering closely with Engineering, Construction, Safety, Procurement, Finance, and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within approved financial targets.
This role is based in Illinois (Greater Chicago area). Solar Landscape is open to providing relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage a portfolio of commercial solar PV projects from development handoff through closeout.
  • Maintain full accountability for portfolio-level budget, schedule, forecasting, and financial performance.
  • Establish and enforce consistent project management standards, controls, and reporting across all assigned projects.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop Project Managers and project teams, supporting performance, growth, and succession planning.
  • Support and guide Project Managers in identifying and mitigating risks related to subcontractor performance, schedule impacts, and change management.
  • Provide oversight and guidance on project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk mitigation, and change order management.
  • Monitor actual performance versus plan and ensure timely corrective actions for cost, schedule, scope, or subcontractor variances.
  • Partner with Engineering, Construction, Safety, Quality, Procurement, and Finance to align execution strategies and priorities.
  • Ensure Site-Specific Health & Safety Plans and Quality Management Plans are implemented and adhered to across the portfolio.
  • Oversee construction execution strategies, including sequencing, labor planning, subcontractor performance, and material logistics.
  • Support subcontract and purchase order strategy, negotiation, and execution in alignment with project and portfolio objectives.
  • Serve as a senior point of escalation for customers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
  • Provide regular portfolio-level status reports to Senior Leadership covering safety, quality, schedule, cost, and risk.
  • Oversee project closeout activities including inspections, interconnection, testing, documentation, and engineer reviews.
  • Support sales and development efforts with estimates, constructability input, and contract reviews.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in construction or solar project management, with demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or portfolios.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and project teams.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing project and portfolio-level budgets and schedules.
  • Deep understanding of commercial solar PV construction (rooftop, ground-mount, and carport).
  • Knowledge of behind-the-meter and utility interconnections.
  • Strong familiarity with Purchase Orders, Subcontracts, EPC contracts, PPAs, and project accounting.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, project management and scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project), and construction management systems (e.g., Dynamics 365 or similar).
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Strong knowledge of construction safety requirements; OSHA 10 or 30 preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with willingness to travel to job sites.
  • Ability to access rooftops and construction sites as required.
  • Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

$100,000 - $130,000 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
We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
• Training / Professional development opportunities
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Summer Fridays
• Flexible remote/hybrid work options
• Paid parental leave
• Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
• Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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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