17-2199.11

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Build Resume

Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitBashC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointGoogle Workspace softwareMicrosoft ProjectRMicrosoft VisioSalesforce softwareMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordPythonTrimble SketchUp Pro

Key Tasks

  • Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
  • Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
  • Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
  • Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
  • Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
  • Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
  • Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.
  • Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.
  • Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
  • Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.
  • Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
  • Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Speaking
72%
Writing
72%
Complex Problem Solving
72%
Active Listening
69%
Mathematics
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Science
56%
Active Learning
56%
Monitoring
56%
Time Management
50%
Persuasion
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Instructing
50%
Systems Evaluation
50%
Coordination
50%
Learning Strategies
47%
Negotiation
44%
Operations Analysis
44%
Service Orientation
44%
Systems Analysis
44%
Operations Monitoring
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Troubleshooting
35%
Programming
31%
Operation and Control
31%
Technology Design
31%
Repairing
25%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Equipment Selection
25%
Management of Financial Resources
25%
Equipment Maintenance
25%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
83%
Design
79%
Building and Construction
73%
Mathematics
71%
Mechanical
64%
Computers and Electronics
57%
Physics
57%
Administration and Management
55%
English Language
54%
Customer and Personal Service
49%
Sales and Marketing
46%
Economics and Accounting
41%
Administrative
38%
Public Safety and Security
38%
Education and Training
35%
Telecommunications
35%
Personnel and Human Resources
33%
Law and Government
33%
Production and Processing
31%
Geography
24%
Communications and Media
22%
Chemistry
21%
Transportation
18%
Psychology
14%
Foreign Language
7%
Sociology and Anthropology
5%
History and Archeology
4%
Biology
4%
Fine Arts
3%
Therapy and Counseling
3%
Food Production
2%
Medicine and Dentistry
2%
Philosophy and Theology
1%

Build a Resume for Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.

Create Resume

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Written Expression
75%
Oral Expression
72%
Fluency of Ideas
72%
Inductive Reasoning
72%
Oral Comprehension
69%
Mathematical Reasoning
66%
Information Ordering
66%
Category Flexibility
63%
Originality
63%
Speech Recognition
60%
Near Vision
60%
Speech Clarity
60%
Far Vision
50%
Visualization
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Number Facility
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
44%
Time Sharing
44%
Speed of Closure
41%
Memorization
38%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
35%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Auditory Attention
31%
Control Precision
31%
Trunk Strength
31%
Depth Perception
28%
Multilimb Coordination
28%
Manual Dexterity
28%
Finger Dexterity
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Glare Sensitivity
22%
Extent Flexibility
22%
Stamina
22%
Static Strength
22%
Gross Body Coordination
19%
Dynamic Strength
19%
Wrist-Finger Speed
19%
Explosive Strength
16%
Rate Control
13%
Reaction Time
13%
Night Vision
13%
Sound Localization
13%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Spatial Orientation
13%
Response Orientation
13%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
87%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
81%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
80%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
76%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
74%
Working with Computers
74%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
73%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
73%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
73%
Analyzing Data or Information
71%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
70%
Processing Information
70%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
69%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
67%
Scheduling Work and Activities
66%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
64%
Documenting/Recording Information
63%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
62%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
61%
Training and Teaching Others
61%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
61%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
60%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
56%
Developing and Building Teams
54%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
54%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
52%
Coaching and Developing Others
52%
Performing General Physical Activities
52%
Thinking Creatively
51%
Handling and Moving Objects
48%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
48%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
48%
Performing Administrative Activities
46%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
40%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
40%
Selling or Influencing Others
39%
Staffing Organizational Units
39%
Assisting and Caring for Others
36%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
34%
Controlling Machines and Processes
29%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
28%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

97%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

97%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

90%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

81%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

81%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

80%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

79%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

78%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

73%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

72%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

72%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

72%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

71%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

70%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

68%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

68%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

67%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

64%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

64%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

64%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

61%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

60%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

56%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

56%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

55%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

54%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

52%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

48%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

48%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

47%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

45%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

43%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

43%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

42%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

42%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

41%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

38%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

37%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

34%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

33%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

33%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

32%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

31%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

31%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

30%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

30%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

26%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

25%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

23%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

23%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

22%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

21%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

11%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

7%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

7%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

1%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

56%

Post-secondary certificate

11%

Associate's degree

11%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

83

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

67

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

49

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

34

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

19

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

15

Work Values

Achievement
83%
Working Conditions
78%
Independence
72%
Recognition
72%
Support
39%
Relationships
33%

Ready to pursue a career as Solar Energy Systems Engineers?

Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.

Build Your Resume Now