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Phd Solar Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer VIII

Englewood, CO · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ... Spacecraft power systems (solar arrays, batteries, power conditioning and distribution, converters ...

General Atomics

Engineer VIII

Englewood, CO · On-site

$140K - $252K/yr

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ... Spacecraft power systems (solar arrays, batteries, power conditioning and distribution, converters ...

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All JobsPhd Solar Engineer JobsPhd Solar Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Phd Solar Engineer information

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Phd Solar Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Phd Solar Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Phd Solar Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
LEAD ENGINEER - Instrument Systems Engineer - Boulder, CO

LEAD ENGINEER - Instrument Systems Engineer - Boulder, CO

Southwest Research Institute

Boulder, CO • On-site

$117K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated research

Job description

Who We Are:
As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we work to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe.
Objectives of this Role:
  • Lead the design, integration & test, and deploy a new generation of space weather instruments.
  • Support senior R&D personnel in cutting edge research involving remote sensing instrumentation systems.
  • Work in multidisciplinary laboratory environment to design, build, and optimize novel spacecraft instrumentation for scientific missions for the solar system and beyond.
  • Develop high fidelity models of instrument performance enabling full instrument system optimization.
  • Plan for and complete system-level trades.
  • Plan, prepare for, and present project lifecycle review (SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.).
  • Develop requirements, testing, and verification plans and oversee instrument testing and verification activities while maintaining engineering rigor.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Work with scientific personnel to design, build, and deploy instrumentation for space science research.
  • Develop mission level requirements, architecture, and performance.
  • Lead development and management of system requirements, decomposition, and allocation.
  • Maintain engineering rigor across project lifecycle.
  • Ensure alignment between optical, sensor, processing, and mechanical subsystems.
  • Develop test plans and analyze test data to verify instrument performance.
  • Identify and manage technical risks and integration challenges.
  • Support customer interactions and technical briefings.
  • Mentor engineers and reinforce systems engineering discipline.

Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Optical Engineering or other related Engineering degree field with relevant work experience. Advanced degrees will be considered in lieu of some years of related industry work experience.
  • 8+ years: Requirements database management, verification planning, and systems engineering.
  • 8+ years: Instrument testing and verification.
  • 4+ years: Spaceflight instrument development through lifecycle.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:
Work assignment is in Boulder, Colorado. Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.
Job Locations: Boulder, Colorado
Salary Range: $117,894.00 - $196,539.00
For more information about this division, visit the Solar System Science & Exploration home page.
For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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