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

Nexamp

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In ... Lead development maintenance, and interpretation of plant performance models and related technical ...

Nexamp Inc.

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In ... Lead development maintenance, and interpretation of plant performance models and related technical ...

NextGenEnergyJobs

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

What we're looking for Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its ... Lead development maintenance, and interpretation of plant performance models and related technical ...

Nexamp

Senior Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Nexamp is seeking to hire a Senior Solar Project Engineer to join its Project Engineering team. In ... Lead development maintenance, and interpretation of plant performance models and related technical ...

Invenergy

Manager, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage the advancement of a portfolio of wind, solar, and/or storage projects within the eastern United States. * Lead development activities in early, mid, and/or late stages of the project. * Align ...

Invenergy LLC

Manager, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Manage the advancement of a portfolio of wind, solar, and/or storage projects within the eastern United States. * Lead development activities in early, mid, and/or late stages of the project. * Align ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 14, 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,439 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Manager, Renewable Engineering (Solar)

Chicago, IL

Invenergy LLC
Clean Energy Power Generation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Invenergy LLCexternal

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview

As a Manager, Renewable Engineering (Solar), you will lead a team that performs engineering activities for utility scale solar projects throughout the United States. The role will support opportunities sourced through the Origination team and the Renewable Energy Development team.

This position will be located at Invenergy's downtown Chicago, IL office. Invenergy follows a hybrid schedule, working in office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays.

Responsibilities

  • Support the Origination and Development teams in customer meetings and with engineering deliverables forproposal development for utility scale solar projects.

  • Identify, hire, onboard and train new solar engineers to support the growth of the company

  • Manage a regionalsolar project engineering team with focus on critical issues including system design, energy assessment, risk analysis and other duties as required to support the development, design and construction of utility scale solar energy plants

  • Work collaboratively with the Development, Origination, Pre-Construction, Project Management, Procurement, Environmental, Legal, Regulatory and other teams to support solar project development, engineering and construction

  • Work collaboratively Project Management, Procurement, Project Electrical Engineering and Operations teams leading up to and through project commercial operations.

  • Represent Invenergy LLC with customers, state and local officials, industry associations and other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering required

  • 5+ years of engineering experience

  • Up to 25% travel will be required

  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in the solar energy field

  • Masters in engineering is a plus

  • Experience in leading an engineering group

  • 7+ years professional experience preferred

  • Strong engineering organizational, networking, leadership, and time management skills

  • Ability to accommodate travel some travel domestically (not more than 25%)

Base Pay

$135,000.00 - $165,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 25% - 40%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

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