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Internship Solar Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Test Engineer - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Starlight Solar Travel: Occasional About Starpath Starpath develops and manufactures the ... experience (internship and academic research applicable) * Hands-on experience with test ...

2027 IT Intern

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $40.25/hr

The ITS Internship Program provides the foundation for the future success of Solar Turbines technology professionals and the future success of the organization. The purpose of the program is to start ...

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Internship Solar information

See California salary details

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How much do internship solar jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship solar in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solar internship?

An Internship Solar job is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the solar energy industry. Interns typically work with engineers, technicians, or project managers on tasks such as solar panel installation, system design, performance analysis, or market research. This role provides valuable industry exposure, practical skills, and networking opportunities. It can serve as a stepping stone to a full-time career in renewable energy.

What types of projects or tasks will I typically work on during a solar internship?

As a Solar Intern, you can expect to engage in tasks such as assisting with the design and layout of solar panel systems, conducting site assessments, supporting data collection for performance analysis, and helping prepare project proposals or reports. You may work closely with engineers, project managers, and technicians, gaining hands-on experience with both field and office-based assignments. Interns often have the opportunity to attend team meetings, learn about compliance and safety regulations, and participate in troubleshooting technical issues. These experiences provide valuable exposure to the solar industry’s workflows and can help you build skills for long-term career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a solar internship, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Solar Internship, you should have a solid academic background in engineering, environmental science, or a related field, along with a genuine interest in renewable energy. Familiarity with solar energy design software (such as PVsyst or AutoCAD), data analysis tools, and knowledge of basic safety standards is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, initiative, and effective communication will set you apart when collaborating with engineers and project managers. These competencies are important because they enable you to contribute meaningfully to real solar projects and gain industry-relevant experience for future roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Internship Solar jobs? Cities in California with the most Internship Solar job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Solar job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,523 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Solar Design Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Role 

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical domains; from module technology and electrical power systems to deployment mechanisms, structures, and production - learning from experienced engineers while taking on meaningful ownership of hardware from day one. 

First 6 months: Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and manufacturing process documentation. 

First year: Own specific build and test activities for flight hardware, from assembly through acceptance testing. 

First two years: Contribute to full lifecycle solar array development across multiple vehicle builds, developing expertise in both design and production. 

Responsibilities 

  • Support the design and analysis of solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems 
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of electrical performance degradation models across environment variations 
  • Execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures and document results 
  • Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on integration activities and test campaigns 
  • Support design reviews with analysis products and test data 
  • Contribute to manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing 
  • Participate in on-orbit data review and anomaly investigation efforts 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field 
  • Internship in at least one of: photovoltaics, power systems, or materials characterization 
  • Hands-on hardware experience through internships, research, design competitions, or extracurricular projects 

Nice to Have 

  • 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 testing) 
  • Familiarity with structural analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent) or thermal analysis tools 
  • Familiarity with space environment effects on materials, including radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen 
  • Experience with CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and practical GD&T application 
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes such as soldering, layup, or electromechanical assembly 
  • Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis 
  • Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary and level will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022