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Entry Level Solar Cell Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canadian Solar

Technician II, Process

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

... solar cell industry or any related manufacturing industry. Positions/levels are commensurate of skills and experiences. Fresh graduates are qualified for entry level positions. * Responsible, able to ...

Canadian Solar

Technician II, Process

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

... solar cell industry or any related manufacturing industry. Positions/levels are commensurate of skills and experiences. Fresh graduates are qualified for entry level positions. * Responsible, able to ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA

$89K - $127K/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 highly complex ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/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 highly complex ...

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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 Jun 29, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level solar cell research positions typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with highly specialized or senior roles, consulting, or freelance work in the renewable energy sector. Most entry-level research roles offer lower daily compensation, often paid hourly or salaried, unless combined with consulting or project-based work that commands higher rates.

How do I get into the solar field?

To pursue an entry-level solar cell research position, candidates typically need a background in physics, chemistry, or engineering, along with knowledge of photovoltaic materials and laboratory techniques. Gaining relevant experience through internships, certifications, or coursework can improve job prospects, and familiarity with solar testing tools and safety protocols is beneficial.

How to get into solar with no experience?

Entry level solar cell research positions often require a background in science or engineering, but starting with relevant coursework, internships, or certifications in renewable energy can help build foundational knowledge. Gaining skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and understanding solar technologies can improve your chances of entering the field without prior experience.

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.

What jobs pay 10000 a month without a degree?

Entry level solar cell research positions typically do not pay $10,000 a month without advanced education or significant experience. High-paying roles in this field often require specialized skills, certifications, or advanced degrees; otherwise, most entry-level jobs pay lower wages. Achieving such income levels generally involves gaining experience, technical expertise, or working in related high-demand technical roles.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,905 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$101K - $128K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking a best-in-class Equipment Reliability Engineer to drive asset reliability and uptime for advanced production equipment including vacuum deposition, chemical processing, metallization, and other automation systems. This high-impact role will help shape maintenance strategies from the ground up while enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.
The primary role of the Equipment Reliability Engineer is to identify and manage asset reliability risks that could adversely affect factory or business operations. As production ramps and increases rate, the Equipment Reliability Engineer's primary goal is to achieve maximum asset and system uptime (>95% on critical lines) by implementing and executing plans to minimize production losses, unpredictable asset behavior, and high costs for system maintainability. The Equipment Reliability Engineer acts as the accountable engineering resource in driving the design, build, and installation stages of new and modified assets, while providing technical support to production and other teams to prevent and mitigate operational issues on critical solar cell manufacturing equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with process, automation, materials, and other engineering teams to ensure reliability of new installations including thin-film deposition (PECVD, sputtering), chemical processing, vacuum systems, and robotics
  • Guide consistency and maintainability of critical equipment, processes, utilities, controls, safety systems, and cleanroom protocols
  • Own improvement plans, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective actions for preventative/predictive maintenance, OEE, and downtime minimization
  • Define, monitor, and refine maintenance plans with predictive tools (vibration, cycle monitoring), RCM, and non-destructive testing
  • Prepare documentation for mechanical design, controls, software, schematics, and OEM manuals
  • Develop solutions to repetitive failures affecting capacity, quality, cost, compliance, or cleanroom standards
  • Analyze assets (utilization, OEE, useful life, costs) to support factory scaling
  • Lead troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, fluid, pneumatic, and robotic failures; provide hands-on support when needed
  • Manage requests for improvements, spares optimization (min/max, criticality), and CMMS
  • Drive continuous improvement using lean principles, Six Sigma, and technician feedback

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, systems, manufacturing engineering, or STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in an engineering role in manufacturing, integration, reliability, maintenance, technical program management, and/or operations (internships applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Advanced degrees in engineering with reliability analysis experience through research and/or internships
  • 2+ years in maintenance/reliability in high-volume manufacturing, ideally semiconductor/solar/automation
  • Experience with control systems, automation, deposition tools (PECVD, sputtering), vacuum/chemical/mechanical/electrical/pneumatic components
  • Reading schematics, manuals, GD&T, P&IDs; RCA and leading troubleshooting
  • Proficiency in CMMS (Maximo, SAP, etc.), MRP/ERP, statistical tools, data analytics
  • Familiarity with lean, TPM, Six Sigma, RCM, predictive maintenance
  • Track record scaling programs in high-growth renewable/aerospace environments
  • Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, pyrophoric/toxic gases, hazardous chemical handling; CRE/CMRP; critical thinking/urgency

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to travel internationally (20%)
  • Ability to stand up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
  • Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces
  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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