Aurora Solar Inc.

Digitizing the Solar Lifecycle

Aurora Solar is the industry's leading cloud-based platform for solar sales and design. Founded in 2013, the company enables solar professionals to create accurate, customizable PV designs and close deals entirely remotely—using just an address and an electric bill. With over 20 million projects designed on its platform and a valuation of $4 billion, Aurora Solar is a critical piece of infrastructure driving the clean energy transition. The team numbers between 251 and 500 employees, mostly distributed or working from their San Francisco headquarters.

A Culture of Clean Energy Impact

The culture at Aurora Solar is heavily mission-driven. Employees are motivated by the tangible impact of their work: accelerating global solar adoption. The environment is collaborative and forward-thinking, typical of a late-stage SaaS company scaling its enterprise capabilities. Glassdoor reviews highlight a strong team culture and great people, though some note the challenges of working in the volatile "solar coaster" industry. Leadership encourages continuous learning and values individuals who can adapt to the fast-paced nature of climate tech.

What You'll Actually Do

Depending on your role, your day-to-day will revolve around building or selling tools that make solar installation seamless. Engineers tackle complex problems in 3D CAD modeling, aerial imagery processing, and performance simulation. Product managers work closely with solar installers to translate real-world pain points into software features. Sales and account managers operate in a high-growth environment, pitching to both local installers and enterprise energy companies. The company operates largely remotely, giving employees flexibility in how they structure their day.

Compensation & Benefits

Aurora Solar offers competitive compensation for a Series D startup. Based on data from Levels.fyi and Glassdoor, Software Engineers can expect total compensation ranging from $135K to $182K+, with Senior Engineers earning up to $237K. Product Managers typically see packages between $153K and $201K. Data Science roles are also well-compensated, though specific public data is limited. The company provides standard tech benefits, including equity options (subject to a standard 4-year vesting schedule), health coverage, and flexible time off.

The Interview Process

The interview process at Aurora Solar is thorough and multi-stage. It typically begins with a recruiter phone screen, followed by a hiring manager interview. Candidates then move to a panel or "loop" consisting of behavioral questions and role-specific assessments. For engineers, this includes coding and system design rounds; for designers or PMs, it often involves a portfolio review or case study. Candidates report that the process is respectful and well-structured, with a focus on both technical capability and mission alignment.

Why Join / Why Not

Why Join: If you are passionate about climate tech and want to work on a product with clear, measurable impact, Aurora Solar is an excellent choice. It's a market leader with strong financial backing (over $500M raised) and a product that customers genuinely rely on.

Why Not: The solar industry is notoriously cyclical and policy-dependent, which can lead to shifting priorities and organizational changes. Some former employees have cited a lack of clear vision for growth during turbulent market periods, making it less ideal for those seeking a highly predictable, slow-paced corporate environment.