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Phd Solar Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Solestial, Inc.

Chemical Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar ... Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related ...

Airbus Ventures

Chemical Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advancedsolar ... Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related ...

Rocket Lab

Principal Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$124K - $161K/yr

... in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation ... PhD preferred. * Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor ...

New

Rocket Lab Corporation

Senior Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

... space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems ... Master's or PhD in engineering (systems, software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or ...

Rocket Lab

Principal Engineer, Space Payloads

Tucson, AZ · On-site

... in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation ... Master's degree or PhD in technical discipline * Recent experience supporting space missions, with ...

New

Rocketlab

Principal Engineer, Space Payloads

Tucson, AZ · On-site

... solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The ... Master's degree or PhD in technical discipline * Recent experience supporting space missions, with ...

New

3M HEALTHCARE

Senior Optical Engineer II/Principal

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$121K - $166K/yr

... to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems ... PhD preferred. * Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space‑based sensor ...

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Phd Solar Engineer information

What does a PhD solar engineer do?

A PhD Solar Engineer is a specialized professional who conducts advanced research and development in solar energy technologies. They work on designing, testing, and improving solar panels, photovoltaic systems, and other renewable energy solutions. Their work often involves publishing scientific papers, leading research teams, and collaborating with industry partners to innovate and implement sustainable solar solutions. With a doctoral degree, they typically focus on solving complex technical challenges and advancing the field of solar engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD solar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Solar Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in photovoltaic systems, materials science, and energy engineering, typically supported by a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB or PVsyst), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is essential, along with published research or patents. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help you excel in both research and interdisciplinary team environments. These competencies enable innovation, effective project execution, and advancement in solar technology and renewable energy solutions.

What are some unique challenges faced by PhD solar engineers in research and development teams?

PhD Solar Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating cutting-edge research into practical, scalable solar technologies and balancing time between experimental work and data analysis. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including material scientists and electrical engineers, is essential to address technical hurdles and optimize system performance. Additionally, these engineers must stay updated on evolving industry standards and funding opportunities while effectively communicating complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What is the difference between Phd Solar Engineer vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectPhd Solar EngineerSolar Project Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Renewable Energy, Solar Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsConstruction sites, project management offices, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, advanced R&D divisions of solar companiesSolar installation companies, project development firms, EPC contractors

The main difference between a Phd Solar Engineer and a Solar Project Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. A Phd Solar Engineer typically engages in research, development, and advanced analysis within academic or R&D settings, requiring a doctoral degree. In contrast, a Solar Project Engineer is more involved in the planning, execution, and management of solar installation projects, often working in the field or on-site. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but serve different stages of solar technology development and deployment.

Are Phd solar engineers in demand?

PhD solar engineers are in high demand due to the growth of renewable energy industries and the need for advanced research and development in solar technologies. They often work in research institutions, energy companies, or government agencies, utilizing skills in system design, materials science, and data analysis. The demand is expected to continue as the focus on sustainable energy solutions increases globally.

What are popular job titles related to Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Phd Solar Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Phd Solar Engineer job openings:

Phd Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Solar Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Chemical Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Solestial, Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Solestial, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.
 

As a Chemical Process Engineer, you will support and develop electroplating and wet chemical processes used in the manufacturing of Solestial's solar cells and modules. This role will be responsible for maintaining existing copper plating operations while leading the development, scale-up, and deployment of new nickel and gold plating processes.

You will work closely with Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, and Product Development teams to improve process capability, yield, throughput, and reliability. This role will also support wastewater treatment systems and help ensure safe, compliant operation of chemical processes across multiple manufacturing areas.

This is a hands-on engineering role that combines process development, manufacturing support, troubleshooting, and scale-up of new technologies.

Your Mission

  • Support and optimize electroplating processes used in solar cell manufacturing.

  • Develop, characterize, and scale new nickel and gold plating processes for production.

  • Support existing copper plating operations and continuous process improvement efforts.

  • Design and execute experiments to improve process performance, yield, and reliability.

  • Monitor critical process parameters and implement process controls to ensure consistent results.

  • Analyze process data and present findings to technical and manufacturing teams.

  • Troubleshoot process excursions, yield issues, and equipment-related challenges.

  • Partner with Manufacturing and Equipment Engineering teams to improve throughput and operational efficiency.

  • Support installation, qualification, and ramp-up of new plating equipment and process lines.

  • Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials.

  • Support operation and continuous improvement of wastewater treatment systems associated with manufacturing operations.

  • Train operators and manufacturing personnel on process requirements and best practices.

  • Follow safety requirements and contribute to a safe, organized, and compliant manufacturing environment.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical field.

  • Experience working with electrochemical, electroplating, wet chemistry, semiconductor, photovoltaic, or related manufacturing processes.

  • Strong understanding of process development, process control, and manufacturing scale-up.

  • Experience troubleshooting complex process and equipment issues.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Experience analyzing process data and communicating technical findings.

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

  • Ability to work safely around chemicals and manufacturing equipment.

What Gives You an Edge

  • Experience with copper, nickel, gold, or other metal plating processes.

  • Experience supporting semiconductor, photovoltaic, PCB, advanced packaging, or electronics manufacturing.

  • Experience with wastewater treatment systems or industrial chemical waste handling.

  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), and yield improvement methodologies.

  • Experience transferring processes from development into manufacturing environments.

  • Experience working in cleanroom or high-reliability manufacturing environments.

Our Benefits
  • Competitive compensation - 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 work will literally go to space!
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