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Entry Level Solar Cell Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Design experiments, hands-on fabricate core layers, characterize ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Design experiments, hands-on fabricate core layers, characterize ...

Qcells

Equipment Engineer (Cell)

Cartersville, GA · On-site

Research equipment development trend of state-of-the-art solar cell manufacturing technology. * Establish intelligent manufacturing system and automated operating and monitoring system. * Set ...

Qcells

Equipment Engineer (Cell)

White, GA

Research equipment development trend of state-of-the-art solar cell manufacturing technology. * Establish intelligent manufacturing system and automated operating and monitoring system. * Set ...

Qcells

Equipment Engineer (Cell)

White, GA · On-site

Research equipment development trend of state-of-the-art solar cell manufacturing technology. * Establish intelligent manufacturing system and automated operating and monitoring system. * Set ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications * Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

Qcells

Equipment Engineer (Cell)

Cartersville, GA · On-site

Research equipment development trend of state-of-the-art solar cell manufacturing technology. * Establish intelligent manufacturing system and automated operating and monitoring system. * Set ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications * Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications * Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to ...

First Solar

Associate Development Engineer

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$62K - $89K/yr

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within ...

First Solar

Associate Development Engineer

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$62K - $89K/yr

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within ...

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Entry Level Solar Cell Research information

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How much do entry level solar cell research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level solar cell research in the United States is $39.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.01 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Solar Cell Research vs Entry Level Photovoltaic Technician?

AspectEntry Level Solar Cell ResearchEntry Level Photovoltaic Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Physics, Materials Science, or Electrical EngineeringHigh School diploma or equivalent; technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, officesInstallation sites, maintenance facilities, outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, solar manufacturers, universitiesSolar installation companies, maintenance firms, renewable energy providers

Entry Level Solar Cell Research focuses on developing and testing new solar cell technologies in labs, requiring scientific credentials. In contrast, Entry Level Photovoltaic Technicians handle installation and maintenance of solar systems in the field, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in work environment and job focus.

More about Entry Level Solar Cell Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Cell Research jobs? The most popular types of Solar Cell Research jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Solar Cell Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Solar Cell Research jobs are:
Entry Level Solar Cell Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Solar Cell Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,905 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Development Engineer II

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
  • Design experiments, hands-on fabricate core layers, characterize devices/material properties, apply statistical and engineering methods to optimize material and stack performance
  • Hands-on leading specifying, commissioning, qualifying, retrofitting (where needed), troubleshooting and sustaining key process/test equipment related to project, ensuring timely supply of raw material/consumables/spares, developing standard operation procedure, providing cross-training to peers when necessary
  • Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.
  • Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory.
  • Apply statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Improve methods for use by others.

Education/Experience:
  • Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
  • Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience working with scalable spray, inkjet print, slot die, and blade coat, etc, of function coatings strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience working on wet coating of perovskites strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Expert knowledge in at least one area among the following: solution-based perovskites fabrication, scalable wet coating process, such as spray coating, slot die, blade coat, and inkjet print, etc.
  • Working knowledge in selective thin film processes (ALD, CVD, PVD, Thermal evap, dry/wet etch, laser scribing, lamination, etc) and device integration.
  • Familiarity with solar cells and relevant physics devices.
  • Experience with reliability and accelerated testing.
  • Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory environment.
  • Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
  • Ability to present technical progress and findings with clear logic.
  • Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
  • Demonstrated capability to practice critical thinking and common sense, and to effectively troubleshoot process and equipment challenges.
  • Good communication skills across organizations.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Perform material and device research to enhance perovskite film quality at various band gap values, solar cell performance and stability, reduce/eliminate key factor driving coating/device instability during perovskite fabrication process, post-PK steps and accelerated stress tests.
  • Design and optimize synthetic routes for fabricating high-quality perovskites, utilizing various synthesis techniques that are scalable.
  • Prototype solar cell devices and conduct electrical and photophysical characterizations.
  • Meet internal program goals and personal performance goals.
  • Mentor and advise other team members working on related projects where apply, collaborate with internal and external collaborators where apply, which may involve domestic and international travel.
  • May train, mentor, and manage junior associates.
  • May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specifications for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
  • Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross-functional projects and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
  • Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports to Development Engineer or Manager of Device Research.
  • May have direct reports.

Travel:
  • Up to 10% domestic/international

Estimated Salary Range:
  • 104,910 USD per year- 142,000 USD per year

US Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will lift, push or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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