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

Project Development Remuneration: Exempt The Senior Manager, Solar Project Manager leads the execution of assigned energy generation projects including construction, safety, quality, schedule ...

PV Solar Engineer

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

PV Solar Engineer - Remote/Travel Based Position Intertek's Clean Energy Associates (CEA) serves as ... development, proposal preparation, and report delivery to our clients (project developers, EPCs ...

PV Solar Engineer - Remote/Travel Based Position Intertek's Clean Energy Associates (CEA) serves as ... development, proposal preparation, and report delivery to our clients (project developers, EPCs ...

... project development and assist with the technical design and evaluation of utility-scale solar ... projects in Invenergy's target markets. Duties and Responsibilities * Screen prospective solar ...

... project development and assist with the technical design and evaluation of utility-scale solar ... projects in Invenergy's target markets. Duties and Responsibilities * Screen prospective solar ...

... project development and assist with the technical design and evaluation of utility-scale solar ... projects in Invenergy's target markets. Duties and Responsibilities * Screen prospective solar ...

Project Development; Project Management Remuneration: Exempt The Project Engineer is responsible for designing 5-20MW photovoltaic solar systems, including systems paired with Battery Energy Storage ...

Associate, Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Advance existing wind, solar, and energy storage project developments within the region of the United States. * Identify development prospects, including market assessments, fatal flaw identification ...

Associate, Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Advance existing wind, solar, and energy storage project developments within the region of the United States. * Identify development prospects, including market assessments, fatal flaw identification ...

Associate, Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Advance existing wind, solar, and energy storage project developments within the region of the United States. * Identify development prospects, including market assessments, fatal flaw identification ...

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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 31, 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:
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.
Manager, Development (East Region)

Manager, Development (East Region)

Invenergy

Chicago, IL

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Invenergy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 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

About the Team

Invenergy's Renewable Development team is responsible for generating new wind, solar, and storage opportunities for the company by identifying potential projects and advancing them through the development process. This includes site identification, permitting, resource measurement, establishing interconnection positions and community engagement.

Position Overview

As a Manager, Renewable Development, you will manage the development of utility-scale solar and wind energy projects throughout the United States. This position will be in our Chicago headquarters.

Curious what a day in the life of a developer looks like?

Watch hereto learn more!

Responsibilities

  • 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 initiatives

  • Identify development prospects, including market assessments, fatal flaw identification and initial site reconnaissance

  • Secure site control for development prospects, including negotiating leases, easements and other agreements with landowners.

  • Coordinate landowner communication efforts.

  • Take a lead role in obtaining certain local, state and/or federal permits

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

  • Initiate and manage generation interconnection activities.

  • Oversee project design.

  • Assist project budgeting and scheduling.

  • Manage tasks according to budgets and schedules, including coordinating internal and external technical support.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A BS or BA from an accredited college program.

  • 6+ years' work experience in the renewable and clean energy industry or relevant work experience.

  • A valid driver's license

  • Travel as needed, anticipated 25% of the time

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

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Business or Engineer, Master's Degree or MBA is a plus

  • Ability to manage the development and strategic process for wind and/or solar energy projects.

  • Strong organizational, networking, leadership, time management, and accounting skills.

  • Strong public speaking and personal skills.

  • Ability to write effective, concise reports.

  • Familiarity with solar project development, real estate development, transmission and power project engineering are advantageous.

  • Several years of experience in similar role preferred.

Base Pay

$120,000.00 - $160,000.00 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.