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

Leapros Skilled Trades

Solar Engineer

Oak Brook, IL

$107K - $125K/yr

The Solar Engineer provides comprehensive electrical engineering design for renewable energy ... Conduct project site surveys to determine existing field conditions and evaluate existing ...

Solar Landscape

Engineering Portfolio Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $137K/yr

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 ...

Solar Landscape

Engineering Portfolio Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $137K/yr

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 ...

Invenergy

Manager, Development (East Region)

Chicago, IL

$120K - $160K/yr

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 ...

Sargent & Lundy

Senior Civil Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Power plant (combined cycle, simple cycle, nuclear, wind, solar) project design experience ... Professional Engineering (PE) license * Data analysis and visualization * Project finance or ...

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

Solar Project Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$71.6K

$90.1K

$127.7K

How much do solar project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar project engineer do?

A solar project engineer develops equipment that converts sunlight into usable electricity. As a solar project engineer, you collaborate with other engineers and designers on the development of photovoltaic (PV) technologies, such as solar panel arrays and solar power plants. Your responsibilities include modeling PV systems and designing solar energy materials to meet project specifications, solving solar engineering problems, and installing the solutions your team develops to promote the use of solar energy over non-renewable energy resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar project engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Project Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with a relevant degree and experience in solar energy systems. Familiarity with solar design software (such as PVsyst or AutoCAD), project management tools, and relevant certifications like NABCEP are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient project execution, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by solar project engineers during the installation phase, and how are they typically addressed?

Solar Project Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected site conditions, permitting delays, and coordinating with multiple contractors during the installation phase. These challenges are typically addressed by conducting thorough site assessments beforehand, maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, and implementing effective project management practices. Flexibility and proactive problem-solving are essential, as is the ability to adapt schedules and resources to keep the project on track. Regular meetings with construction teams and other engineers help ensure swift resolution of on-site issues.

What is the difference between Solar Project Engineer vs Solar Design Engineer?

AspectSolar Project EngineerSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like NABCEP or PE often preferredBachelor's in engineering or related field, NABCEP certification common
Work EnvironmentOn-site project management, coordination with construction teamsDesign and planning, CAD work, technical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageSolar developers, EPC firms, utilitiesEngineering firms, solar design companies, EPC contractors
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on project execution, management, and installationFocus on system design, layout, and technical specifications

The Solar Project Engineer primarily manages the execution and coordination of solar installation projects, ensuring timely completion and compliance. In contrast, the Solar Design Engineer concentrates on designing solar systems, creating technical plans, and optimizing system performance. Both roles require technical certifications and work within the solar industry, but their focus areas differ from planning to project management.

More about Solar Project Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Solar Project Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Solar Project Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Project Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Project Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Solar Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Project Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,137 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Project Engineer, Thermal Engineering

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 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
The Project Engineer, Thermal, reporting to the Senior Director of Thermal Engineering, will support Invenergy's efforts to develop, permit, engineer, construct and commission new geothermal and thermal (simple and combined cycle combustion turbine and reciprocating engine) power generation projects throughout North America. This role will encompass the full project life cycle of project development from siting and origination through commercial operation of the project and will assist managing third party engineering consultants and contractors; preparing permit applications; specifying project configurations; specifying project performance, creating project specifications; preparing bids; evaluating bids; managing major equipment manufacturers supplying combustion turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators, injection pumps, Organic Rankine Cycle systems,; reviewing detailed engineering; construction monitoring and commissioning efforts. A strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion turbine performance is desired.
Invenergy follows a hybrid schedule, working in office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays.
Responsibilities
  • Perform and review basic and detail design for power generation projects.
  • Advise on the feasibility of projects based on available geothermal technologies and project constraints.
  • Lead technical efforts during the development phase and collaborate with other engineering and geophysicists during the reservoir modelling and detailed design process.
  • Perform and review thermal heat balances for thermal power generation projects.
  • Support technical efforts for project development work such as site selection, general arrangement development, site surveying, environmental studies, permit applications, geotechnical investigations and others.
  • Interface with equipment vendors to explain technical requirements and receive technical proposals.
  • Support and lead technical efforts with OEMs.
  • Review technical deliverables like P&ID, heat and mass balances, project design documents, equipment specifications and drawings, layouts, and electrical one-line drawings.
  • Provide engineering oversight during project design and construction.
  • Interface with contractors for resolution of technical issues.
  • Assist oversight of power plant commissioning activities.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to align project development and execution with financial and commercial objectives, including coordination of internal administrative workload with the Project Management team for the technical interface of the project, i.e., purchase orders, service orders, MSAs and ESA agreements for consultants.
  • Establish relationships with various technical experts among stakeholders, utilities, RTO/ISOs.
  • Understand project interfaces across multiple contractors and work packages and monitor performance, ensuring adherence to project requirements, budget and schedule.

Minimum Qualifications
  • BS in mechanical, electrical, civil, petroleum, chemical or related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years' experience in project engineering management of large capital projects with a focus on geothermal power generation, thermal power generation or transferable energy sector work.
  • Familiarity with regulatory, siting, and environmental permitting processes for large-scale industrial projects.
  • Knowledge and experience with project design and configuration.
  • Experience with geothermal production facilities with focus on translating subsurface energy into usable power, emphasizing facility design, heat exchange, gathering systems, reinjection systems and fluid mechanics will have an advantage.
  • Spreadsheet modeling using Microsoft Excel.
  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Must have a valid US driving license.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in engineering or Professional Engineering License
  • Experience with ORCs, steam turbines for geothermal applications, production and injection pumps, and other heavy duty industrial rotatory equipment.
  • Experience in the power generation industry, specifically thermal energy, with a focus on utility-scale project development.
  • Oil & Gas project or reservoir engineering experience relevant to geothermal or conventional thermal projects.
  • Proficiency in spreadsheet modeling using Microsoft Excel.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills

#LI=Hybrid
Base Pay
$100,000.00 - $120,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 20% - 30%
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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