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Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing information

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$36.5K

$78K

$116K

How much do full time solar cell manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time solar cell manufacturing in the United States is $78,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing vs Full Time Solar Panel Installation?

AspectFull Time Solar Cell ManufacturingFull Time Solar Panel Installation
Primary FocusProducing solar cells in a manufacturing facilityInstalling solar panels at various sites
Work EnvironmentFactories and production linesOn-site at residential, commercial, or industrial locations
Required SkillsManufacturing processes, quality control, technical skillsElectrical knowledge, physical labor, installation techniques
CertificationsManufacturing safety, technical trainingElectrical licenses, safety certifications

Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing involves producing solar cells in a factory setting, focusing on quality control and manufacturing processes. In contrast, Full Time Solar Panel Installation requires on-site work installing panels, emphasizing physical skills and electrical knowledge. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ significantly in work environment and skill requirements.

What are some common challenges faced in a full-time solar cell manufacturing role, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in full-time solar cell manufacturing is maintaining high product quality while meeting production targets, as the process involves precise handling of sensitive materials. Employees often need to quickly solve technical issues and work collaboratively to minimize downtime. Staying up-to-date with evolving manufacturing technologies and safety protocols is also essential. Proactive communication with team members and ongoing training help address these challenges and support smooth production flow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive in full-time solar cell manufacturing, a solid background in engineering principles, materials science, or manufacturing technology—often supported by a relevant associate’s or bachelor’s degree—is essential. Familiarity with specialized manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or OSHA are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities ensure efficient, high-quality production and support both workplace safety and continuous process improvement.

What is a full time solar cell manufacturing job?

A full time solar cell manufacturing job involves working in a facility that produces solar cells, which are the key components of solar panels used to generate renewable energy. Employees in these roles typically operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, assemble or inspect solar cells, and ensure quality control throughout the production process. These jobs often require attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes technical or engineering knowledge. Full time positions usually mean a standard workweek of 35-40 hours, often with benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs are:
Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Solar Cell Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% As Needed, 39% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,000 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Equipment Engineering Manager - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 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.
MANAGER, EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING (SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING)
SpaceX is seeking a highly motivated Equipment Engineering Manager to lead the development, installation, qualification, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing equipment for our next-generation solar cell production lines. In this role, you will drive equipment strategy, reliability, and performance to enable high-volume, high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing that supports SpaceX's energy goals. Your scope will span initial factory turn-on, execution of ambitious factory ramps, and driving of equipment strategy to support continuous solar cell technology and performance improvements.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Grow, lead, and mentor a team of equipment engineers responsible for solar cell manufacturing tools including wet chemical benches, PECVD deposition systems, PVD/sputtering tools, metrology/inspection systems, and beyond
  • Own equipment lifecycle management from installation and process qualification through high-volume production, including preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts optimization, and continuous improvement of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment downtime, yield excursions, and process drift using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, DOE).
  • Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, and facilities teams to define equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, and capacity expansion roadmaps for solar cell technologies
  • Develop and execute equipment roadmaps that improve throughput, reduce cost per watt, and increase cell efficiency while maintaining world-class uptime
  • Establish and enforce equipment safety, cleanroom protocols, and change control processes in a high-volume semiconductor-style manufacturing environment.
  • Partner with vendors and internal SpaceX designers to evaluate, qualify, and integrate new equipment platforms and drive performance improvements on existing tools
  • Track and report key performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, yield impact, cost of ownership) to senior leadership and drive data-driven decisions
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring equipment is ready for pilot and ramp phases of next-generation cell architectures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science
  • 5+ years of experience in equipment engineering or maintenance in a high-volume manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, or related industry)
  • 5+ years of experience managing or leading a team of engineers
  • Experience with thin-film deposition, vacuum systems, or wet processing equipment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience specifically with silicon solar cell manufacturing equipment, processes, chemicals, and gases
  • Strong background in semiconductor equipment (PECVD, PVD, ALD, etch, or CMP) or photovoltaic production lines
  • Machine design and/or manufacturing background with proven track record of going from idea to working system
  • Proven track record of improving equipment availability, reducing cost of ownership, and scaling manufacturing capacity
  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), data analytics platforms, and equipment automation (SECS/GEM, PLCs, SCADA)
  • Knowledge of cleanroom operations, contamination control, and safety standards in a high-tech manufacturing setting
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and long weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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