Solar Application Engineer

AG ENERGY is seeking a Solar Application Engineer for its Manteno, IL headquarters. This full-time, in-office role involves ensuring engineering integrity and scalability of solar projects, optimizing systems, and validating technical standards. Responsibilities include designing PV systems, coordinating with utilities, and supporting project development. Candidates should have an associate's degree in a relevant field and 2+ years of solar experience. The position requires strong collaboration and technical expertise.
• Job Summary

We are seeking a high-performing Solar Application Engineer to join our team at our Manteno, Illinois headquarters. This is a pivotal technical leadership role responsible for driving the engineering integrity and scalability of our commercial, agricultural, and distributed energy projects across Illinois.

The Application Engineer will own system optimization, interconnection strategy, and technical validation across multiple utility territories. This role goes beyond design support — it is responsible for protecting project feasibility, maximizing system performance, and ensuring full compliance with NEC, utility standards, and evolving regulatory requirements.

Working cross-functionally with sales, development, finance, and construction teams, this individual will serve as the technical authority during project development, ensuring that every project is engineered for performance, constructability, and long-term asset reliability.

This role directly impacts revenue, execution speed, and project margins. The ideal candidate is analytical, decisive, and comfortable operating in a fast-growth environment where technical excellence and accountability are expected.

We deliver commercial solar, agricultural solar, residential solar, EV charging infrastructure, and battery storage solutions.

The Application

Engineer plays a central role in maintaining engineering standards, reducing interconnection risk, and elevating overall project quality.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Manteno, Illinois, requiring 40–45 hours per week and a strong commitment to collaborative execution.
• Responsibilities
• Perform preliminary and detailed design of commercial and agricultural PV systems (roof, ground-mount, and canopy)
• Prepare system layouts, electrical single-line diagrams, and equipment specifications
• Conduct production modeling using Helioscope, Aurora, or PVsyst
• Evaluate interconnection requirements and technical screening criteria for various utility companies across the United States
• Support technical proposal development including energy models, system sizing, and performance assumptions
• Coordinate with utilities, AHJs, EPC teams, and equipment vendors
• Assist with permit plan sets, engineering reviews, and technical documentation
• Review inverter, transformer, and MV/LV electrical configurations for NEC compliance
• Support commissioning activities and field technical troubleshooting when required

Required Qualifications
• Associates’s degree in Applied Science, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or equivilent discipline
• 2+ years of solar PV system design, applications engineering, or power systems experience
• Working knowledge of NEC requirements related to PV systems
• Experience with commercial 3-phase electrical systems
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar drafting software
• Experience supporting utility interconnection applications preferred

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working within Illinois incentive programs (Illinois Shines / REC programs)
• Familiarity with medium-voltage interconnections and transformer sizing
• NABCEP certification (or in progress)
• Experience designing systems using string, central, and micro-inverter architectures
• Agricultural or community solar project experience

Benefits
• Paid time off
• Certification and professional development support
• Career advancement into Senior Engineer or Engineering Manager roles

Why Join Us

Join a rapidly growing Illinois solar development team delivering high-impact commercial and agricultural renewable energy projects. This role offers strong technical ownership, exposure to large-scale distributed generation projects, and clear advancement pathways as the solar market continues expanding.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s)
• Do you have experience with the IL Shines program and it's requirements?
• Do you have experience with the IDOL CTP?

Education
• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience
• Photovoltaic systems: 2 years (Required)

Language
• English (Required)

License/Certification
• NABCEP Certification (Preferred)

Shift availability
• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute
• Manteno, IL 60950 (Required)

Willingness to travel
• 25% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid