Solution Engineer

Planted Solar; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid company holidays

Flexible Paid Time Off

Company-paid in-office lunches

Stock options

Comprehensive medical benefits

Job summary

A solar energy technology company is looking for a Solution Engineer in Oakland, CA. You will engage with customers, develop proposals, and optimize solar power applications. Ideal candidates have 2+ years of experience and an engineering degree. This role offers a salary of $90,000–$110,000 and comes with stock options and benefits. Join a team that values innovation and effective project management.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Proactive, high-ownership, hands-on mentality.
• Curiosity and resourcefulness in solving problems.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of project origination and development.
• Own site analysis, array design, and cost estimation.
• Produce financial analyses and project proposals.
• Provide engineering support for clients during development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Financial modeling

Project management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s in engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PVsyst

Anderson Optimization

Job description

First, the good news: The world now has over 2 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.

The challenge: The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize.

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. We’re expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product, company, and business development as we help power the world with 100% clean and abundant energy.

About The Role

As the Solution Engineer, you will focus on early customer engagement and strategy, proposal development, project optimization, and growing our pipeline of solar power applications. You will own critical pieces of our early-stage project engineering and business development process and apply your knowledge of Planted’s technology, the energy market, and solar development and construction to support customers.

Successful candidates will possess strong leadership and communication skills, financial and technical acumen in the energy sector, and a desire to be part of a growing, early-stage company. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a talented, cross-functional engineering and business team in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment.

The salary range for this full-time position is $90,000–$110,000, plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 2+ years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support all aspects of project origination and development to expand the project pipeline and win contracts.
• Own site analysis, array design, and cost estimation for early stage solar projects.
• Produce financial analyses, energy models, and project proposals for external stakeholders.
• Provide necessary engineering support for clients throughout the project development process.
• Assist in detailed design and optimization of later-stage projects
• Drive the creation and improvement of development tools, project management processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Develop and present analysis and materials for senior management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of relevant professional experience
• Proactive, high-ownership, hands-on mentality
• Curiosity and resourcefulness in solving problems
• A track record of organization, attention to detail, and effective project management
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and succinctly to internal and external stakeholders
• Eagerness to navigate ambiguity, manage risks, and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
• Proficiency in financial modeling using Microsoft Excel
• Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate for 100% in-person role

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
• Experience in energy markets or energy project development and construction
• Experience with solar industry software (e.g., PVsyst, Anderson Optimization)

*A note on qualifications: Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Mostly desk work using standard office equipment
• The position requires some travel for customer site visits, conferences, and company-wide meetings

What We Offer

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

This will be a great fit if:

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.