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

Pivot Energy

Solar Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL

$100K - $120K/yr

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in the development of project quality control standards ... Knowledge of solar and electrical commissioning and testing standards and techniques. Especially ...

Pivot Energy

Solar Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $120K/yr

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in the development of project quality control standards ... Knowledge of solar and electrical commissioning and testing standards and techniques. Especially ...

Pivot Energy

Solar Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL · Remote

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist in the development of project quality control standards ... Knowledge of solar and electrical commissioning and testing standards and techniques. Especially ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Site Assessor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National ... development opportunities · 401(k) with 4% company match · Summer Fridays · Flexible remote ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Site Assessor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National ... development opportunities • 401(k) with 4% company match • Summer Fridays • Flexible remote ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Site Assessor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $80K/yr

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National ... Training / Professional development opportunities 401(k) with 4% company match Summer Fridays ...

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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 May 30, 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, 18% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,439 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Senior Solar Project Manager

Senior Solar Project Manager

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 15 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 Senior Project Manager to lead and oversee a portfolio of commercial solar PV projects across their full lifecycle. This role is responsible not only for the successful execution of individual projects, but also for mentoring and developing Project Managers, driving consistency and best practices across projects, and maintaining full accountability for portfolio-level budget, schedule, safety, quality, and risk.
 
The Senior Project Manager serves as a key leader within the Project Management organization, partnering closely with Engineering, Construction, Safety, Procurement, Finance, and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within approved financial targets.
 
This role is based in Illinois (Greater Chicago area). Solar Landscape is open to providing relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
 
Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage a portfolio of commercial solar PV projects from development handoff through closeout.
  • Maintain full accountability for portfolio-level budget, schedule, forecasting, and financial performance.
  • Establish and enforce consistent project management standards, controls, and reporting across all assigned projects.
  • Manage, mentor, and develop Project Managers and project teams, supporting performance, growth, and succession planning.
  • Support and guide Project Managers in identifying and mitigating risks related to subcontractor performance, schedule impacts, and change management.
  • Provide oversight and guidance on project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk mitigation, and change order management.
  • Monitor actual performance versus plan and ensure timely corrective actions for cost, schedule, scope, or subcontractor variances.
  • Partner with Engineering, Construction, Safety, Quality, Procurement, and Finance to align execution strategies and priorities.
  • Ensure Site-Specific Health & Safety Plans and Quality Management Plans are implemented and adhered to across the portfolio.
  • Oversee construction execution strategies, including sequencing, labor planning, subcontractor performance, and material logistics.
  • Support subcontract and purchase order strategy, negotiation, and execution in alignment with project and portfolio objectives.
  • Serve as a senior point of escalation for customers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
  • Provide regular portfolio-level status reports to Senior Leadership covering safety, quality, schedule, cost, and risk.
  • Oversee project closeout activities including inspections, interconnection, testing, documentation, and engineer reviews.
  • Support sales and development efforts with estimates, constructability input, and contract reviews.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in construction or solar project management, with demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or portfolios.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and project teams.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing project and portfolio-level budgets and schedules.
  • Deep understanding of commercial solar PV construction (rooftop, ground-mount, and carport).
  • Knowledge of behind-the-meter and utility interconnections.
  • Strong familiarity with Purchase Orders, Subcontracts, EPC contracts, PPAs, and project accounting.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, project management and scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project), and construction management systems (e.g., Dynamics 365 or similar).
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Strong knowledge of construction safety requirements; OSHA 10 or 30 preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license with willingness to travel to job sites.
  • Ability to access rooftops and construction sites as required.
  • Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
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


We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.