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

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Manager

Chicago, IL

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

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... Plan and lead the design development effort for all assigned project teams. * Support Design team ...

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 ... career development. * Support sales activities with estimates, contract review, and client ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... Plan and lead the design development effort for all assigned project teams. * Support Design team ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

About The Role We are seeking a Project Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of our solar projects ... career development. * Support sales activities with estimates, contract review, and client ...

Invenergy

Manager, Development (East Region)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage wind and/or solar projects within the United States * Lead development activities in early, mid, and/or late stages of the project * Align projects with long-term company strategy and ...

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

Solar Project Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35.5K

$83.4K

$149.4K

How much do solar project development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project development in Chicago, IL is $83,439.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Solar Project Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Solar Project Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Project Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Solar Project Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Project Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Project Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Solar Project Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Project Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,439 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Solar Project Manager

Solar Project Manager

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 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.
$85,000 - $120,000 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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