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Live In Solar Designer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$101K - $128K/yr

... in solar cell, PV module, semiconductor device, or aerospace hardware reliability (internship/co-op experience may count toward this if highly relevant and hands-on) * Experience designing, running ...

New

Essel

Solar Installer

Austin, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for the installation of cutting-edge solar energy systems for ... Install solar panels and related components according to project designs and safety guidelines.

Essel

Solar Installer

Austin, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for the installation of cutting-edge solar energy systems for ... Install solar panels and related components according to project designs and safety guidelines.

Essel

Solar Installer

Austin, TX

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

In this role, you will be responsible for the installation of cutting-edge solar energy systems for ... Install solar panels and related components according to project designs and safety guidelines.

Sunrun

Solar Installer

Austin, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

To do it, we're designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It's why we've become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We're unlike any ...

Sunrun

Solar Installer

Austin, TX

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

To do it, we're designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It's why we've become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We're unlike any ...

Sunrun

Solar Installer

Austin, TX

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

To do it, we're designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It's why we've become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We're unlike any ...

Freedom Power

Second in Command Solar Installer

Austin, TX · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Assisting with system designs and procurement for residential systems * Performing other duties as ... Ability to work in 100+ degree weather We understand you may be a great candidate without fitting ...

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All JobsLive In Solar Designer JobsLive In Solar Designer Jobs in Austin, TX

Live In Solar Designer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do live in solar designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in solar designer in Austin, TX is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do solar designers make?

Solar designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high solar adoption. Compensation often includes benefits and opportunities for overtime or project bonuses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Live In Solar Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Solar Designer, you need expertise in solar energy systems, electrical engineering fundamentals, and proficiency in design software, usually backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, PVsyst, and solar modeling software, along with relevant certifications such as NABCEP, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for collaborating with clients and installation teams. These skills ensure the accurate, safe, and efficient design of solar systems that meet client needs and regulatory standards.

How to become a solar designer?

To become a solar designer, typically one needs a background in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, along with knowledge of solar energy systems. Gaining experience with design software like AutoCAD or PVsyst and obtaining relevant certifications, such as NABCEP PV Design Certification, can improve job prospects. Strong understanding of electrical codes and safety standards is also important.

What are some common challenges faced by Live In Solar Designers, and how can they be addressed?

Live In Solar Designers often encounter challenges such as adapting designs to varied building codes, ensuring optimal system performance in diverse residential environments, and coordinating with homeowners and installation teams. Effective communication and a strong understanding of local regulations are essential for overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest solar technologies and software tools can help streamline the design process and improve accuracy.

What solar jobs pay the most?

In the solar industry, senior roles such as Solar Project Managers, Solar Design Engineers, and Solar Sales Directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience in project management, system design, or sales, and can offer six-figure compensation depending on location and company size.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid designer jobs are often senior or specialized roles such as creative directors, UX/UI directors, or design leads, with salaries exceeding six figures. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities within industries like technology, advertising, or product design.

What is a Live In Solar Designer?

A Live In Solar Designer is a professional who specializes in designing solar energy systems for residential or commercial properties, often living on-site or nearby to oversee the project closely. Their job involves assessing the property, designing efficient solar panel layouts, and ensuring the system meets both client needs and regulatory requirements. By being present on-site, they can provide real-time solutions, manage installation processes, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. This hands-on approach helps ensure the solar system is optimized for the specific location and client requirements.

What is the difference between Live In Solar Designer vs Solar Installer?

AspectLive In Solar DesignerSolar Installer
CredentialsRelevant certifications in solar design, CAD, and electrical workElectrical or HVAC certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentDesign office, client meetings, remote site assessmentsOn-site installation, outdoor work, physical labor
Industry UsageDesign phase of solar projects, planning and engineeringInstallation and commissioning of solar systems

Live In Solar Designers focus on planning and designing solar systems, often working in offices and client consultations. Solar Installers execute the physical installation of solar panels on-site. While both roles require electrical knowledge and safety certifications, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly, with designers concentrating on planning and installers on hands-on installation tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Designer jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Solar Designer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Live In Solar Designer jobs in Austin, TX? For Live In Solar Designer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Live In Solar Designer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Solar Designer jobs in Austin, TX are:
Live In Solar Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Live In Solar Designer job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Locum Tenens, 68% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,813 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$101K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

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.
SOLAR CELL RELIABILITY ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to those that need it most. We design, build, and launch the world's largest and most advanced satellite constellation that is capable of delivering high-speed internet to even the most remote locations. As we vertically integrate critical hardware, we are building and scaling heterojunction (HJT) solar cell production to power spacecraft and constellation assets with higher efficiency, lower mass, and proven reliability in the space environment.
We are looking for a Solar Cell Reliability Engineer who will own the reliability lab and the end-to-end reliability story for our solar cells in space-from wafer and cell process through module integration, environmental qualification, on-orbit performance, and continuous improvement back into manufacturing. Your work will ensure our solar cells deliver unmatched power density and durability for Starship, Starlink, AI Sat, and deep-space missions. Your work will form the backbone of the Starlink network (photons of sunlight in is directly proportional to photons of data out to customers!) and help provide internet to tens of millions of customers all around the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own and operate the solar cell reliability lab: equipment strategy, capability roadmap, calibration, maintenance, safety, throughput, and data integrity for HJT cell and coupon reliability testing
  • Define, execute, and continuously improve the space reliability test matrix for HJT solar cells (e.g., thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, humidity/damp heat as applicable, UV/photo-stability, reverse bias / hotspot, mechanical shock/vibration at cell/coupon level, radiation exposure coordination, and accelerated life tests)
  • Build and own the reliability narrative for flight and program reviews: failure modes, physics of failure, acceleration models, life predictions, margins, and acceptance/qualification logic that ties lab data to on-orbit performance
  • Partner with HJT process and equipment engineering (texturing, PECVD/a-Si stacks, TCO, metallization, module integration) to link process parameters, metrology, and in-line defects to reliability outcomes; drive corrective actions and design-for-reliability changes
  • Establish reliability gates for process changes, tool qualifications, material substitutions, and supplier changes; own risk assessment (FMEA/PFMEA interfaces), sampling plans, and release criteria
  • Develop and maintain test methods, SOPs, fixturing, and automation for high-throughput, statistically defensible reliability characterization; ensure methods are transferable and auditable
  • Lead root cause analysis on reliability failures (electrical, optical, interfacial, mechanical, environmental) using SEM/FIB, EDS, FTIR, PL/EL, IV, quantum efficiency, adhesion, and other failure-analysis techniques; close the loop with manufacturing and design
  • Define and track reliability KPIs (e.g., degradation rates, wear-out distributions, infant mortality, lot-to-lot variation, correlation of accelerated tests to flight-like stress) and report status to leadership with clear recommendations
  • Interface with power systems, structures, thermal, radiation effects, quality, and flight reliability teams so cell-level reliability is coherent with array/module and spacecraft environments
  • Support flight anomaly investigation and on-orbit performance trending; update models and test strategies as flight data matures.
  • Mentor technicians and junior engineers; set lab culture for rigor, speed, and honest interpretation of data
  • Author and present technical content for design reviews, production readiness reviews, and customer/internal reliability packages as required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in chemical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or mechanical engineering in design, analysis, and/or system implementation (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental, or related technical discipline (especially in PV, thin-film devices, reliability physics, or space power systems)
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in solar cell, PV module, semiconductor device, or aerospace hardware reliability (internship/co-op experience may count toward this if highly relevant and hands-on)
  • Experience designing, running, or analyzing accelerated environmental or reliability tests and interpreting degradation / failure data
  • Proficiency with data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, JMP, R, or equivalent) and comfort with statistics (distributions, confidence bounds, DOE basics)
  • Ability to work full-time on-site in a production and lab environment
  • Strong understanding of vacuum systems, plasma physics, sputtering dynamics, and thin-film characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, Hall effect)
  • Hands-on experience with PV metrology tools (eg. Sinton lifetime, EL/PL) and reliability testing
  • Experience with SPC, DoE, and lean manufacturing principles
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
  • Experience with solar cell manufacturing equipment, such as wet chemical processing equipment, PE-CVD equipment, PVD machines, metallization and final test equipment, and wafer inspection equipment. Experience in evaporation tools and ALD tools are a plus

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startup
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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