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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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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)

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

$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 ...

Boeing

Associate Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Support Research and Development (R&D) activities associated with advancing solar cell technologies and reducing the cost of the products * Embrace and foster a working culture where safety is a top ...

Boeing

Associate Process Engineer

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Support Research and Development (R&D) activities associated with advancing solar cell technologies and reducing the cost of the products * Embrace and foster a working culture where safety is a top ...

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 ...

Boeing

Associate Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

Support Research and Development (R&D) activities associated with advancing solar cell technologies and reducing the cost of the products * Embrace and foster a working culture where safety is a top ...

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 ...

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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 Sep 1, 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?

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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, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,905 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Process Technician - Solar Cell Manufacturing (Night Shift)

Solestial, Inc.

Tempe, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Company:
 
Solestial, Inc. is the solar energy company for space.  Solestial's core technology is a breakthrough ultra-thin silicon solar cell that can self-cure radiation damage at normal operating temperatures in space, packaged in a flexible, lightweight panel designed to achieve minimum degradation for up to 10 years in LEO.  Solestial panels can be mass-produced using automated machines resulting in costs 90% lower than incumbent technologies, with virtually unlimited manufacturing capacity.  From today's satellite constellations and research projects to tomorrow's utility-scale energy infrastructure and services in space, Solestial is powering the new space economy.
 
The Role:
 
As a Process Technician (Night Shift) at Solestial you will be responsible for processing ultra-thin solar cells according to baseline processes. This will include safely operating R&D equipment to run baseline solar cell production lots according to documented procedures, troubleshooting tool failures, and assisting process engineers with transferring R&D processes to large-scale manufacturing tools. For our large-scale manufacturing line, technicians will be performing operational preventative maintenance on the equipment, diagnosing and troubleshooting intermediate-level alarms, running basic quality control procedures, and working with simple hand tools and systems during floor operations.
 
This is an exciting position as part of a positive, supportive, and passionate team! A competitive compensation package, including equity and full benefits (see below), will be offered.
Specific Responsibilities to Include:
  • Available to work Monday-Friday, 6pm-2am.
  • Operate tools and equipment safely to maintain quality and fulfill orders per direction of supervisor. 
  • Perform assigned job duties in accordance with training, written procedures, and with direction provided by team members and supervisor. 
  • Interact with equipment to monitor parameters and alarms. 
  • Characterize partially processed solar cells (Sinton lifetime, photoluminescence, etc.). 
  • Monitor process data & make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control. Collect process data and maintain a record of work at the direction of the supervisor.
  • Recognize conditions that require escalation and provide good communication on issues and recommendations. 
  • Collaborate with the solar cell engineers on problem solving. 
  • Provide good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
  • Work in a R&D manufacturing environment, often without direct supervision. 
  • Perform mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices in our large-scale manufacturing line. 
  • Follow safety requirements and prevent accidents. 
  • Maintain clean work environment. 
  • Other duties as assigned.
Your Background:
  • High school diploma or GED.  
  • Associates of Science degree or Certification in a STEM program preferred. 
  • Ability to work night shifts.
  • Ability to work in clean room environment. 
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment. 
  • Ability to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects, and spend the majority of time processing production lots in an environment where sitting/standing is required for extended periods of time. 
  • Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, clear communication. 
  • Positive attitude. 
  • Previous experience working in a clean room environment (production or R&D) as well as experience with in solar cell or electronics manufacturing is a strong plus.
Our Benefits:
  • Competitive salary + equity - we want you to grow with us
  • Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
  • 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
  • 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
  • Your impact will extend beyond our labs - supporting production of solar technology that literally goes to space.
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