Solar Field Engineer

Actalent; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Gas reimbursement

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an on-site Project Engineer to support community solar projects across Illinois. You will assist project managers with QA/QC, documentation, scheduling, and field support while gaining hands-on experience in solar construction.

The role offers exposure to commercial construction and multiple projects over the coming years. The position requires on-site work in Joliet, IL, with travel across Illinois and a per diem/gas reimbursement for travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in solar construction or solar project engineering preferred.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints and construction drawings.
• Experience providing RFIs and coordinating with design partners.

Responsibilities

• Perform QA/QC on active construction sites to ensure design specs, safety, and quality.
• Track payroll reports and maintain documentation for compliance.
• Prepare and maintain project reports, progress updates, and documentation for PMs.
• Support inventory management and track materials and equipment.
• Monitor quantities for materials and work completed for cost tracking.
• Capture and organize site photos documenting progress and field conditions.
• Assist with scheduling and communication with field teams and partners.
• Support change order processes and document scope changes.
• Collaborate with PMs, superintendents, and partners to address field issues.
• Utilize Microsoft Office to create and maintain spreadsheets, logs, and reports.
• Review blueprints and RFIs with design partners.
• Travel regularly to project sites across Illinois to support multiple community solar projects.

Skills

On-site construction

Project coordination

Documentation & reporting

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Travel to IL sites

Learning mindset

Blueprint interpretation

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: On-Site Project Engineer Community Solar ProjectsJob Description

This role serves as an on-site project engineer supporting community solar projects across the state of Illinois. You will assist project managers and the energy management team with QA/QC, project coordination, documentation, and field support while gaining hands-on experience in the solar industry. The position offers extensive exposure to commercial construction, opportunities to learn advanced energy solutions, and the chance to work on multiple projects over the next several years.

Responsibilities

• Perform QA/QC activities on active construction sites to help ensure work meets design specifications, safety standards, and quality expectations.

• Track apprentice and certified payroll reports accurately and on time, maintaining proper documentation for project and compliance requirements.

• Prepare, update, and maintain project reports, including progress updates, status summaries, and other documentation requested by project managers and the energy management team.

• Support inventory management by tracking materials, equipment, and supplies, helping to ensure timely availability and accurate records for each project.

• Monitor and document quantities for materials and work completed, providing accurate data to support cost tracking, billing, and project controls.

• Capture and organize site photos on a regular basis to document construction progress, field conditions, and completed work.

• Assist with project coordination tasks, including scheduling, communication with field teams and construction partners, and tracking deliverables.

• Support change order processes by gathering information, reviewing field conditions, and helping to document scope changes under the direction of project managers.

• Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and construction partners to address field issues, clarify requirements, and support efficient jobsite operations.

• Utilize Microsoft Office tools to create, update, and maintain spreadsheets, reports, logs, and other project documentation.

• Review and interpret blueprints and construction specifications, and support the team in resolving questions through RFIs and coordination with design partners.

• Adapt to evolving project needs by taking on additional responsibilities assigned by project managers and the energy management team.

• Travel regularly to project sites throughout Illinois as needed to support multiple community solar projects over the next 23 years.

• Participate in initial training and ongoing learning to build knowledge of solar construction, project engineering practices, and relevant technologies.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated on-site construction experience with the ability to work effectively in an active field environment.

• Strong project coordination or project management support experience within construction or a closely related field.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including the ability to create and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

• Strong technology skills with the ability to quickly learn and use new software and tools required for project documentation and tracking.

• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Capacity to respond quickly to requests from customers, superintendents, and construction partners in a dynamic environment.

• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites across Illinois as required.

• Positive attitude and strong willingness to learn, particularly in relation to the solar industry and project engineering responsibilities.

• Ability to adapt to unique job requirements and changing project needs.

• Basic working knowledge of blueprints and construction specifications or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge.

• Interest in learning about the solar industry and applying that knowledge to community solar projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in solar construction or solar project engineering.

• Experience in commercial construction environments, particularly with electrical or energy-related projects.

• Background or experience in project engineering, construction management, or related disciplines.

• Familiarity with electrical systems and terminology used in commercial or solar projects.

• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and construction drawings.

• Experience preparing or managing RFIs (Requests for Information) on construction projects.

• Associates or Bachelors degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.

• Previous experience working on-site with project managers, superintendents, and construction partners.

• Comfort working with change orders and supporting documentation for scope changes.

Work Environment

This position is based primarily on active construction sites as an on-site project engineer for community solar projects across the state of Illinois. You will support approximately 810 projects over the next 23 years, working closely with project managers, superintendents, and field teams. The role involves regular travel to various project locations throughout Illinois. The work environment is field-focused and dynamic, with ongoing operations and coordination among multiple construction partners. The position includes an initial training period of approximately two weeks at the companys headquarters in Walbridge, Ohio, where you will receive onboarding, systems training, and orientation to their construction and solar practices. You will use Microsoft Office and other technology tools daily to manage documentation, reports, and tracking logs. A per diem package and gas reimbursement at GSA rates support travel-related expenses while working on remote project sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Joliet, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Joliet, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Joliet,IL.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.