Jobs › Sunrun

Lead Installer

Sunrun · Des Plaines, IL · $26.40–$39.20 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had to correct a crew member's work. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they give direct, respectful feedback that improves quality without hurting the team.

How do you teach new installers so they become safe and productive quickly?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in developing people, which a lead role requires.

What would you do

As lead installer, what do you do in the first fifteen minutes on site to set the crew up for a safe day?

What they are checking: Whether they run a real safety briefing and job walk instead of jumping straight onto the roof.

You find rotted decking once you start. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop, document and escalate rather than installing on a roof that can't hold attachments.

The homeowner keeps coming out with questions while you're working. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay friendly and informative while keeping the job moving safely.

How do you decide when weather is too dangerous to stay on the roof?

What they are checking: Whether they will put safety ahead of schedule when wind, rain or heat become hazards.

About the work

Walk me through how you lay out and install racking on a composition shingle roof.

What they are checking: Whether they know proper layout, rafter attachment and flashing to prevent leaks and structural issues.

How do you check that every person is anchored and using fall protection correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they treat fall protection as their personal responsibility as the lead.

How do you manage wire runs and module connections so the system passes inspection?

What they are checking: Whether they know wire management and connector standards that inspectors and long-term reliability depend on.

What's your checklist before you call a job complete?

What they are checking: Whether they verify quality, take photos and clean up, which affects inspection and customer reviews.

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The full job description

As published by Sunrun.

At Sunrun, we’re on a mission to change the way the world interacts with energy, and we’re building a company and brand that puts power at the center of life. To do it, we’re designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It’s why we’ve become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We’re unlike any other residential energy company. Our vertically integrated model gives us total control over every part of the energy lifecycle – from sale through installation and beyond – so you can find endless opportunities for growth. Come join a career you can grow in and a culture you can run with. Who We Are We’re on a mission to make energy more reliable and affordable for more people. We provide an opportunity with storage and solar to help people access greater energy independence without the big upfront costs. Sunrun is the largest dedicated residential solar and storage company in the country and has a mission to bring stably priced resilient power to the masses. About Sunrun Since 2007, Sunrun has grown into America's #1 home solar and battery company. We got here by putting our people’s safety and growth first. That’s why we created the Power+ program: to invest in your skills. We train you to work across different teams—from qualifying homes for solar, to installing, to inspecting the final work, and servicing existing systems. This versatility helps limit reduced hours and ehances job security in an industry affected by seasons. It also means you can solve customer problems in one visit, keeping you safely off the road and moving your career forward. Overview The Lead Installer position is a contributing member of a solar installation construction crew. The Lead Installer is responsible to work as a team to complete residential solar installation projects. This position will have the additional responsibility of guiding and coordinating fellow installers on a daily basis. • Get recognized for your hard work! Competitive hourly base pay and lucrative performance incentives through our Nike/Carhartt Sponsored incentive program, The League. You’ll earn Nike/Carhartt swag, prizes and amazing trips through the program as well as progress in your career. Responsibilities • Review inventory at loading dock to ensure assigned crew truck is stocked adequately • Layout and assemble solar modules, mechanical and structural mounts, electrical equipment and tools in preparation of installation • Apply weather sealing to roofing structure, building or support mechanisms • Assemble the racking, solar modules, panels or support structures as specified in project plan • Ensure a clean and orderly job site • Perform project clean up including client site and installation vehicle • Ensure personal, crew and job site safety at all times • Participate in mandatory training sessions on new products, installation methodology and safety • Lead crew through safe, effective and efficient installations • Provide leadership, technical expertise and support to fellow crew members • When assigned assist with solar battery installations • May serve as 'acting Foreperson' in the Forepersons' absence. Qualifications • High school diploma or equivalent • Previous solar installation experience required. Applicants with equivalent construction or military experience may be considered • Must maintain a clean driving record with the ability to pass a driving background check. Must be 21 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. • Adheres to company safety policies and procedures including ability to identify and report safety hazards, and the ability to encourage others to work safely • Ability to establish rapport, build relationships and loyalty with external and internal customers and coworkers, and remains tactful when communicating • Proven ability to meet deadlines and key metrics • Willingness and ability to participate in the Power+ programs, which means you may be cross trained to perform comparable work in other departments or asked to perform work in other departments you're already skilled to support. • Works independently, as a team player, and drives results in a fast paced, team based environment • Must be willing to assist teammates and build strong relationships to achieve company and department goals • Solid logical decision making and troubleshooting skills with the ability to problem solve in a timely and effective manner • Exercises good judgment • Takes ownership of issues or questions and will escalate problems to the appropriate persons and follow up accordingly with the customer Physical Demands • Ability to transport materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks (up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds with assistance) • Ability to work on rooftops with various angles and surfaces which requires frequent bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, turning, standing, and balance • Ability to work in confined spaces such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces which requires kneeling and crouching • Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions including but not limited to: excessive noise, extreme heat, extreme cold, wet environment, and humidity • Ability to frequently utilize hand functions requiring fine motor skills including but not limited to: fine manipulation, grasping, and pinching • Ability to work within the safe range of equipment such as ladders, fall protection harnesses and other personal protective equipment • Ability to work and maintain balance on roofs and other areas of height • Ability to work in the sun and possibly low light conditions • Ability to walk on rafters, roof tiles, and roof shingles without damage • Ability to distinguish colors such as red, black, yellow, white, green • Ability to hear verbal commands and warnings • Ability to work with chemicals using appropriate protections • 5% travel required Please note that the compensation information is made in good faith for this position only . It assumes that the successful candidate will be located in markets within the United States that warrant the compensation. Please speak with your recruiter to learn more. Starting salary/wage for this opportunity: $26.40 to $39.20 Recruiter: Charles Smith (Charles.Smith@sunrun.com) Compensation decisions will not be based on a candidate's salary history. You can l earn more here . This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, some essential job functions, and qualifications for the role. It may not include all essential functions, tasks, or requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and you need reasonable accommodation during the hiring process or to perform this role, please contact us at candidateaccommodations@sunrun.com . Sunrun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We believe that empowering people and valuing their differences are essential for our mission of connecting people to the cleanest energy on earth. Learn more here: EEO | Sunrun

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