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Solar Project Development Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Evergy

Early-Stage Development Engineer

Kansas City, MO

$83.60K - $104.50K/yr

Early-Stage Development Engineer - Generation Development REQUISITION: DEV000C DEPARTMENT ... projects (combustion turbines, solar, and battery energy storage systems) within Evergy's service ...

Evergy

Early-Stage Development Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$83.60K - $104.50K/yr

Early-Stage Development Engineer - Generation Development REQUISITION: DEV000C DEPARTMENT ... projects (combustion turbines, solar, and battery energy storage systems) within Evergy's service ...

Evergy

Early-Stage Development Engineer

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$83.60K - $104.50K/yr

Early-Stage Development Engineer - Generation Development REQUISITION: DEV000C DEPARTMENT ... projects (combustion turbines, solar, and battery energy storage systems) within Evergy's service ...

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Solar Project Development information

See Missouri salary details

$32.4K

$76K

$136K

How much do solar project development jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project development in Missouri is $75,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $97,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Solar Project Development jobs in Missouri? For Solar Project Development jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Project Development jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Project Development jobs in Missouri are:
Solar Project Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Project Development job openings in Missouri as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,976 per year, or $36.5 per hour.
Solar Pre-Construction Manager (Utility-Scale IPP)

Solar Pre-Construction Manager (Utility-Scale IPP)

Birch Creek Energy

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Birch Creek Energy, a utility-scale solar development company with projects throughout the United States, is seeking a Solar Pre-Construction Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented culture and shares our mission to create a future with more renewable energy.
The Solar Pre-Construction Manager supports the successful execution of utility-scale solar and storage projects by leading all pre-construction activities from late-stage development through notice to proceed (NTP). This role represents the owner's perspective, ensuring projects are de-risked, constructible, financeable, and ready for handoff to EPC partners and internal construction teams.
The position works closely with Development, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and EPC contractors to validate scope, cost, schedule, and risk prior to financial close and construction start.
Our headquarters is in St. Louis, with an additional office location in Los Angeles. The ability to work from our STL or LA office is a plus factor, but remote-work candidates with the ability to travel, as needed, are also welcomed.
Key Responsibilities
Owner-Side Pre-Construction Leadership
  • Lead pre-construction planning for utility-scale solar (and storage, if applicable) projects from late-stage development through NTP
  • Act as the owner's technical and construction representative during pre-construction
  • Coordinate with EPC partners to validate construction methodologies, logistics, and sequencing
  • Ensure alignment between development assumptions and executable construction plans
  • Complete site walks and constructability review of projects and outline risk and opportunities to successful project execution
  • Present risk and opportunities around new projects to company leadership.

Cost Estimating & Financial Readiness
  • Review, validate, and challenge EPC cost estimates and schedules
  • Support development of Class 3 / investment-grade budgets and cost benchmarks
  • Identify cost drivers, contingencies, and value-engineering opportunities
  • Support financial models by validating construction inputs, cash flow, and milestone timing
  • Assist with lender technical advisor (LTA) and independent engineer (IE) reviews

Schedule Development & Risk Management
  • Review and validate EPC baseline schedules and critical path assumptions
  • Identify schedule risks related to permitting, interconnection, procurement, and site constraints
  • Develop mitigation strategies for long-lead items and execution risks
  • Track key pre-construction milestones leading to NTP and financial close

Engineering & Constructability Review
  • Facilitate Engineering meetings with internal and external engineers and project management teams prior to EPC Contract execution and handoff to Execution Project Managers.
  • Coordinate constructability reviews of civil, structural, electrical, tracker, and HV/MV designs
  • Ensure designs align with EPC execution strategies and site conditions
  • Review design assumptions for cost, schedule, and risk impacts
  • Support optimization of layouts, access roads, grading limits, and staging areas

Procurement & Contract Support
  • Coordinate and manage all RFPs for EPC selections with support from Development, Finance, and Execution teams.
  • Lead LNTP negotiations with support of legal and commercial contracting team
  • Manage all pre-NTP budgets and cashflows
  • Support procurement strategies and procurement team for all Owner Furnished equipment
  • Review EPC subcontracting plans and supplier selections
  • Assist with EPC contract exhibits related to scope, schedule, assumptions, and risk allocation
  • Support negotiation of construction-related commercial terms as needed

Permitting, Interconnection & Grid Coordination
  • Coordinate with Development on AHJ and utility requirements impacting construction
  • Identify constructability and schedule impacts from permit conditions and interconnection agreements
  • Support responses to utility and agency comments affecting construction scope or timing
  • Track, manage, and execute on late-stage development deliverables for company acquired projects.

Handoff to Construction
  • Prepare and document pre-construction assumptions, risks, and mitigation plans
  • Lead or support project handoff meetings to internal construction teams
  • Provide ongoing support through early construction phases as required

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of experience delivering utility-scale solar projects or direct Pre-Construction experience
  • Strong background in pre-construction, construction management, and EPC oversight
  • Experience reviewing EPC schedules, estimates, and execution plans
  • Understanding of owner-side project development and financing processes

Preferred
  • Experience working for an IPP, owner, or developer-owner
  • Exposure to lender technical advisor or independent engineer processes
  • Experience with HV/MV systems, substations, and transmission-level interconnection
  • Familiarity with solar + storage projects

Skills & Competencies
  • Owner-mindset with strong risk identification and mitigation skills
  • Ability to challenge EPC assumptions constructively
  • Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management
  • Financial and schedule literacy with attention to detail
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects through pre-NTP phases

Travel
Up to 30%, depending on project phase and location
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary and bonus.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
  • Opportunity to work with an innovative and mission-driven company.
  • Career growth and development opportunities in a fast-growing company and industry.

Apply