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Solar System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance ... Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112. * Proactive problem ...

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance ... Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112. * Proactive problem ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... You'll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into ...

Impulse Space

Solar Array Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

You'll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware. Responsibilities * Define ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... You'll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into ...

Impulse Space

Solar Array Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

You'll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware. Responsibilities * Define ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Your impact will extend beyond individual builds, shaping the foundation of manufacturing systems ... engineering environment * Experience working with photovoltaic modules, solar cells, or ...

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$110K - $140K/yr

Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer , reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

K2 Space

Head of Solar

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

This is a rare opportunity to define what world-class solar engineering looks like inside a vertically integrated space company, and to build the team and systems that make it real. Responsibilities

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSolar System Engineer JobsSolar System Engineer Jobs in California

Solar System Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do solar system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar system engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar system engineer do?

A Solar System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining solar power systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Their work includes assessing sites for solar suitability, creating technical plans, selecting appropriate materials and components, and overseeing installation and maintenance. They ensure that solar systems are efficient, cost-effective, and comply with all relevant regulations and safety standards. Solar System Engineers often collaborate with clients, architects, and contractors to deliver customized solar energy solutions.

What are some of the main challenges solar system engineers face when working on large-scale installations?

Solar System Engineers often encounter challenges such as site-specific constraints, integration with existing electrical infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Large-scale projects may require close coordination with civil engineers, electricians, and project managers to address issues like shading analysis, optimal panel placement, and grid interconnection. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming unexpected site conditions and maintaining project timelines.

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

To thrive as a Solar System Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, experience in solar energy system design, and relevant engineering degrees or certifications. Familiarity with CAD software, PV system modeling tools (such as PVsyst), and knowledge of industry standards like NEC and IEC are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and deployment of solar energy solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.

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

AspectSolar System EngineerSolar Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like NABCEP, technical skillsBachelor's in engineering or related field, certifications like NABCEP, design software proficiency
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, system installation, testing, and troubleshootingOffice-based, designing solar systems, creating layouts and plans
Employer & Industry UsageSolar installation companies, engineering firms, renewable energy projectsDesign firms, engineering consultancies, solar project developers

While both roles require technical knowledge and certifications like NABCEP, Solar System Engineers focus on system installation, testing, and maintenance in the field. In contrast, Solar Design Engineers primarily work on designing solar systems, creating layouts, and preparing plans for installation. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in daily tasks and work environment.

Is solar system engineering a good career?

Solar system engineering is a growing field that involves designing and implementing solar energy systems, requiring skills in electrical engineering, project management, and knowledge of renewable energy technologies. It offers opportunities in sustainable energy development, with demand driven by increasing adoption of solar power and environmental initiatives. Careers in this field can be stable and rewarding for those with technical expertise and relevant certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Solar System Engineer jobs in California?

For Solar System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar System Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar System Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Solar System Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Solar System Engineer job openings:

Solar System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar System Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Staff Optical Communications Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team: 

The Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers.

About the Role:

As a Staff Optical Communications Engineer within the Interplanetary Sciences Program, you will own the end-to-end architecture, design, development, and delivery of a deep-space optical communications terminal. You will be responsible for translating mission needs into system performance requirements, developing architectures, and driving implementation through in-house design or external partnerships.

This role offers the opportunity to define and execute one of the most critical technologies enabling next-generation interplanetary missions. You will operate in a fast-paced, iterative environment, where rapid prototyping, early testing, and continuous learning are key to success. You'll lead hands-on development campaigns to evaluate key technologies, derisk interfaces, and validate performance before full system integration.

You'll work across internal and external teams to turn concepts into hardware, balancing agility and rigor as you move quickly from analysis to prototypes to flight-ready systems. Ultimately, you will lead the effort to deliver a robust, high-performance optical communications capability that enables breakthrough science across the solar system.

About You:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience in laser communications, optical systems engineering, or spacecraft communications system development
  • Proven ability to take complex technical systems from concept through qualification, integration, and operational deployment
  • Hands-on proficiency in electromechanical prototyping, including integration of optics, electronics, and mechanical subsystems such as gimbals, pointing mechanisms, and precision mounts
  • Deep understanding of optical communications subsystems, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT); modems; and photonic hardware
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize technical details and drive decision-making across engineering and program teams

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Experience with spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification
  • Familiarity with NASA or commercial spacecraft systems engineering processes in an applied / New-Space manner is a plus
  • Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems

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