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Solar Project Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solar Carport Foreman

Escalon, CA · On-site

$45 - $65/hr

The Full Scope Solar Carport Foreman will be on the job site overseeing projects, installations ... training and development to team members as needed. * Contributes and conducts performance ...

Showing results 21-40

Solar Project Development information

What is solar project development?

Solar project development is the process of planning, designing, financing, and constructing solar energy systems, such as solar farms or rooftop arrays. This role involves tasks like site selection, securing permits, arranging financing, coordinating with stakeholders, and overseeing installation and commissioning. Solar project developers work to ensure that projects are completed efficiently, comply with regulations, and deliver reliable, clean energy. They also often handle negotiations with landowners, utilities, and government agencies.

What are some common challenges faced during the early stages of solar project development?

In the early stages of solar project development, professionals often encounter challenges such as securing land rights, navigating complex permitting processes, and obtaining interconnection agreements with utility companies. Developers must also conduct thorough site assessments to ensure the location meets technical and environmental requirements. Proactively engaging with local stakeholders and regulatory agencies can help address these hurdles and keep the project timeline on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in solar project development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Project Development, you need a solid understanding of renewable energy technologies, project management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with solar design software (such as PVsyst or AutoCAD), permitting processes, and financial modeling tools is often required. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help professionals coordinate with stakeholders and navigate project challenges. These competencies ensure successful project execution, risk mitigation, and alignment with environmental and financial goals.

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

AspectSolar Project DevelopmentSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsProject management certifications, engineering degreesEngineering degrees, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentField visits, client meetings, project planningDesign labs, software modeling, technical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageSolar developers, EPC firms, project ownersEngineering firms, solar equipment manufacturers
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on project execution and managementFocuses on technical design and system layout

Solar Project Development involves managing the entire project lifecycle, including site acquisition, permitting, and financing. In contrast, a Solar Design Engineer concentrates on creating technical system designs, layouts, and ensuring engineering standards. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Project Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Solar Project Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Solar Project Development jobs in California?

For Solar Project Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Project Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Project Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Solar Project Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Solar Project Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Project Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Project Development Manager

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Peak Energy is the first American venture to advance globally proven Sodium-Ion battery systems as the storage standard for the new era of renewable energy on a resilient grid.

Sodium-Ion is cheap, readily available and safe, making it the leading contender in a rapidly evolving market.

Our leadership team is powered by decades of expertise in scaling gigawatt-level innovation at world-class companies such as Tesla, Northvolt, Apple, Powin, Enovix, Zipline, Solid Power, and Fluence. We are backed by strategic investment and product partners such as TDK Ventures and Eclipse Ventures.

We are a team of engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, and partners driven by a shared ambition to set the new performance standard for renewable energy and grid resilience.

About the Role - Project Development Manager

Peak Energy is seeking a Project Development Manager to drive the development of utility-scale energy storage projects from permitting through interconnection, offtake, construction, and commissioning.

The Project Development Manager will own the development of a portfolio of projects across various stages of development, working alongside the Development, Project Engineering, and Strategy leads to secure land, obtain permits, manage interconnection, build community relationships, and ensure each project is technically and financially viable. You will collaborate closely with all members of a small team, and help represent Peak externally with landowners, regulators, and development partners.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of full project lifecycles while building toward broader development leadership within Peak's growing storage portfolio.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

Project Development & Execution

  • Manage full-cycle project execution — from site identification, land acquisition, permitting, and environmental due diligence through interconnection, offtake, construction, and commissioning.
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and financial model inputs; coordinate project economics with finance and engineering to ensure commercial viability.
  • Own stakeholder engagement: interface with landowners, local officials, and permitting agencies to secure approvals and community support.
  • Oversee permitting and compliance across local, state, and federal requirements; research requirements and produce actionable permitting and zoning memos that accurately summarize discretionary risk.
  • Track and manage landowner payments, contractual requirements and deadlines, and reporting requirements, building internal tracking systems to ensure nothing gets missed.
  • Manage third-party consultants and internal development teams to achieve development goals.
  • Support construction and commissioning activities alongside engineering and operations, ensuring a smooth transition from development to execution.
  • Track and report progress: maintain project documentation, budgets, schedules, and risk registers; provide transparent updates to leadership.
  • Drive interconnection strategy: track utility milestones and coordinate technical studies with ISOs/RTOs.
  • Represent Peak externally, building relationships with utilities, EPCs, and development partners to support the long-term project pipeline.
  • Travel as needed (up to approximately 30% of the time) to sites, county and public meetings, and landowner visits to advance project milestones.

What You'll Bring (Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Environmental Science, Engineering, Energy, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy project development (solar, wind, or storage).
  • Demonstrated track record advancing projects from site control through NTP, including land acquisition, permitting, interconnection, and stakeholder management.
  • Familiarity with zoning, permitting, and environmental review processes at the county and state level.
  • Working understanding of power markets, site feasibility, and project economics.
  • Familiarity with Smartsheet, Excel, or other budgeting and scheduling tools.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging communities, regulators, and landowners.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to travel for site visits, public meetings, and partner engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Existing relationships with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, EPCs, or permitting authorities.
  • Experience negotiating land agreements and presenting at public or regulatory hearings.
  • Familiarity with IRA incentives, tax credits, and energy market structures.
  • Past experience in a startup environment.

Peak Energy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We value skills, potential, and perspective over specific credentials. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't look perfect on paper, we still want to hear from you.

Our Core Values

  • Speed Through Focus - Move fast but understand why. Focus on the goal, don't sacrifice quality.
  • Mission Over Self - It's about the greater good; confident humility. Take ownership and accountability.
  • Face the Brutal Truth - Transparency, honesty, big picture curiosity. Fearless decision making.
  • Be a Good Person - Kindness, collaboration and teamwork.

The salary range for this role is $120,000-$170,000, with actual pay varying based on work location, experience, and skills. Our competitive benefits package includes:

  • Flexible time off
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Strong 401(k) plan
  • Equity opportunities

Join us to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector!

At Peak Energy Technologies Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a more capable, innovative, and competitive company. We welcome people who represent diversity in their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Peak Energy Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, aiming to reach our company's full potential by cultivating an inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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