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Solar Project Development Manager Jobs in Deerfield, IL

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

About The Role We are seeking a Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of our solar projects ... Training / Professional development opportunities 401(k) with 4% company match Summer Fridays ...

Solar Landscape, LLC

Solar Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

About The Role We are seeking a Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of our solar projects ... Training / Professional development opportunities * 401(k) with 4% company match * Summer Fridays * ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Plan and lead the design development effort for all assigned project teams. * Support Design team ... Manage professional engineer review process to obtain PE stamps on drawing packages. * Provide ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Plan and lead the design development effort for all assigned project teams. * Support Design team ... Manage professional engineer review process to obtain PE stamps on drawing packages. * Provide ...

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All JobsSolar Project Development JobsSolar Project Development Manager JobsSolar Project Development Manager Jobs in Deerfield, IL

Solar Project Development Manager information

See Deerfield, IL salary details

$43.7K

$96.1K

$144.4K

How much do solar project development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project development manager in Deerfield, IL is $96,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar project development manager do?

A Solar Project Development Manager oversees the planning, development, and execution of solar energy projects from inception to completion. Their responsibilities include site selection, permitting, securing financing, managing stakeholder relationships, and coordinating with engineering and construction teams. They ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements, stay within budget, and meet deadlines. This role requires strong project management skills and a deep understanding of the solar energy industry.

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

To thrive as a Solar Project Development Manager, you need expertise in renewable energy project management, financial analysis, site assessment, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), GIS tools, permitting systems, and knowledge of energy market regulations is highly valuable. Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully guiding complex solar projects from inception to completion, ensuring regulatory adherence, profitability, and stakeholder satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by solar project development managers during the permitting and approval process?

Solar Project Development Managers often encounter challenges navigating complex permitting and regulatory requirements, which can vary significantly by region. Coordinating with local authorities, addressing environmental impact concerns, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws can lead to project delays. Proactively building relationships with stakeholders and staying up-to-date with evolving regulations are crucial for success in this role. Effective communication and negotiation skills help streamline approvals and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Solar Project Development Manager vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectSolar Project Development ManagerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related fields; project management certifications are commonUsually holds an engineering degree; may have specific technical certifications in solar or electrical engineering
Work EnvironmentFocuses on project planning, stakeholder coordination, and overseeing development phasesEngages in technical design, system analysis, and engineering implementation
Industry UsageUsed in project planning, development, and management within solar companies and EPC firmsFound in technical design, system integration, and engineering teams in solar projects

The Solar Project Development Manager primarily handles project planning, stakeholder coordination, and overall development, while the Solar Project Engineer focuses on technical design and engineering aspects. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and work closely within the solar project lifecycle, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities near Deerfield, IL are hiring for Solar Project Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Deerfield, IL with the most Solar Project Development Manager job openings:

Solar Project Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Project Development Manager job openings in Deerfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,142 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Solar Project Manager

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-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 Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of our solar projects. This role includes managing project planning, budgeting, procurement, construction, scheduling, reporting, and risk mitigation. The Project Manager will provide both leadership and technical guidance, collaborating across teams and with external partners to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
 
This role is based in Illinois (Greater Chicago area). Solar Landscape is open to providing relocation assistance for qualified candidates who are not currently located in Illinois.
Responsibilities
  • Plan, budget, manage, and complete PV projects of moderate complexity, or multiple projects of lesser complexity simultaneously.
  • Coordinate design and permitting activities with engineering team and local authorities.
  • Work with Safety Manager to develop Site Specific Health and Safety Plans and implement safety procedures.
  • Manage Quality Control and develop/implement Site Specific Quality Management Plan.
  • Develop construction schedules for assigned projects.
  • Solicit, negotiate, and execute subcontracts and purchase orders with timely delivery to support the project schedule.
  • Schedule and manage deliveries of materials and equipment. Maintain accurate receiving records and provide timely follow up to missing items, damaged goods, backorders, etc.
  • 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.
  • Trains Foremen on pre-planning, surveying, plan reading, productivity, efficiency, economical crew size, quality workmanship, and safety to ensure projects are expeditiously constructed.
  • Act as primary point of contact for Customers and Key Stakeholders while organizing and leading regular meetings.
  • Provide status reports to Senior Management on a regular basis, particularly regarding safety, quality, schedule, and cost forecasting.
  • Complete all job closeout procedures including AHJ inspections, interconnection, testing, documentation, Owner's Engineer reviews, Independent Engineer reviews.
  • Manage, train, and supervise project team; act as mentor to younger employees to encourage professional growth and career development.
  • Support sales activities with estimates, contract review, and client communication.
  • Build trust and rapport with all Solar Landscape departments.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in field construction management.
  • Strong leadership abilities.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Dynamics 365 (or other construction management software), and Microsoft Project.
  • Deep understanding of rooftop, ground-mount, and carport commercial PV construction methods.
  • Knowledge of behind-the-meter and utility interconnections.
  • Familiarity with Purchase Orders, Subcontracts, PPA, EPC Contracts, and project accounting.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
  • 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.
  • Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
$90,000 - $125,000 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
 
 
 
ADA Accommodation Statement
 
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 [email 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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