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

Invenergy

Associate, Development

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Solar Landscape

Project Management Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $75K/yr

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... development opportunities · 401(k) with 4% company match · Summer Fridays · Flexible remote ...

Solar Landscape

Project Management Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$55K - $75K/yr

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... Training / Professional development opportunities 401(k) with 4% company match Summer Fridays ...

Solar Landscape

Assistant Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... development opportunities · 401(k) with 4% company match · Summer Fridays · Flexible remote ...

Solar Landscape

Assistant Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... development opportunities • 401(k) with 4% company match • Summer Fridays • Flexible remote ...

Invenergy

Associate, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL

$85K - $103K/yr

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

Solar Landscape

Project Management Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

About Us Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of ... development opportunities • 401(k) with 4% company match • Summer Fridays • Flexible remote ...

pepperconstruction

Solar Quality Technician

Barrington, IL · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Hands-on exposure to solar projects across the region * Career growth and skill development opportunities * Travel-focused role with company vehicle or reimbursement included If you're passionate ...

pepperconstruction

Solar Quality Technician

Barrington, IL

$18 - $24/hr

Hands-on exposure to solar projects across the region * Career growth and skill development opportunities * Travel-focused role with company vehicle or reimbursement included If you're passionate ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.
Senior Project Manager - Energy (Solar)

Senior Project Manager - Energy (Solar)

Kimley-Horn

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 368 rated engineering

Job description

Kimley-Horn, one of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” is looking for a Project Manager to join our Chicagoland offices. As a critical member of the Energy/Solar team, you will perform a variety of civil engineering tasks and will receive both on-the-job and formal training as well as mentorship, camaraderie, and exposure to plan production, project financials, and client interactions.


Our Energy team works on projecs including:

  • Solar site Design
  • Utility scale solar projects
  • Project Due Diligence and Site Constraints
  • Jurisdictional Permitting and Agency Coordination
  • Client Management and more

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
  • We are seeking candidates with 7+ years of prior civil engineering experience working with a professional design firm
  • PE certification or have the ability to obtain within 6 months
  • Highly proficient in AutoCAD, Excel, and/or GIS
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines
  • Detail-oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Salary Range:

  • Base Salary $120,000-$180,000
  • Eligible for performance-based bonus compensation

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What Kimley-Horn employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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