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Phd Solar Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Enphase Energy

Senior Staff Thermal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Who You Are and What You Bring * BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering ...

Enphase Energy

Senior Staff Thermal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Who You Are and What You Bring * BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering ...

Enphase Energy

Staff Firmware Engineer

Austin, TX

$110K - $151K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Mentor junior staff Who You Are and What You Bring * BS/MS/PhD Computer Science, Computer ...

Enphase Energy

Staff Firmware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Mentor junior staff Who You Are and What You Bring * BS/MS/PhD Computer Science, Computer ...

Enphase Energy

Senior Power Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Who you are and What you bring * BS/MS/PhD Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or ...

Enphase Energy

Senior Systems Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Alternatively, a MSC with 3 years of experience, or a PhD. * Hands-on experience with integrating ...

Enphase Energy

Senior Systems Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Founded in 2006, our innovative microinverter technology revolutionized solar power, making it a ... Alternatively, a MSC with 3 years of experience, or a PhD. * Hands-on experience with integrating ...

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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 Texas? For Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Phd Solar Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Phd Solar Engineer job openings:
Phd Solar Engineer jobs near you

Sr. Materials Engineer, Silicon Wafer Engineering (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Other

Re-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

SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, SILICON WAFER ENGINEERING (STARLINK)

Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, will deliver low-latency broadband internet worldwide. We are committed to offering access to high-speed internet to customers and are looking for a Materials Engineer to utilize their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve materials and processing challenges in silicon wafer production for Starlink solar cells. You will serve as the technical owner for wafer quality and production readiness, ensuring materials and processes meet space-grade performance and reliability requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead initial equipment selection and commissioning for wafer slicing, cleaning, degumming, and inspection, defining operational standards.
  • Collaborate closely with solar engineering, reliability, production, and supply chain teams to translate mission requirements into wafer specifications.
  • Own the initial development and qualification of wafer processes (ingot cropping, slicing, cleaning, degumming, surface conditioning), ensuring low-defect, high-reliability wafers.
  • Qualify supplier materials (slurries, wires, adhesives, wet process chemicals) to ensure contamination-free wafers.
  • Define environmental controls, metrology tools, and inspection strategies to maintain high-quality wafer standards.
  • Correlate metrology data to device performance and reliability, establishing acceptance criteria.
  • Drive defect reduction through root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous process optimization.
  • Support capacity expansion and factory layout decisions to facilitate high-volume wafer manufacturing.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and technicians.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science or chemical engineering.
  • 5+ years of experience in semiconductor wafer manufacturing or semiconductor processing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of hands-on work experience in silicon wafer manufacturing (photovoltaics or compound semiconductor sectors preferred).
  • Strong foundation in silicon materials science, semiconductor defect mechanisms, surface chemistry, stress and fracture mechanics.
  • In-depth knowledge of silicon ingot slicing and cleaning processes, consumables, and equipment.
  • Experience commissioning and qualifying semiconductor manufacturing or inspection equipment.
  • Experience with analyzing contamination (metallic, organic, and particulate), crystal damage (microcracks, chips), and their impact on wafer optical and electrical properties.
  • Operational and analytical proficiency with wafer bulk and surface characterization equipment, including ICP-MS, TXRF, SIMS, FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, resistivity mapping, and minority carrier lifetime testing (PL).
  • Demonstrated success scaling processes from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a rapidly growing, fast-paced environment.
  • Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), DOE, and data-driven yield analysis.
  • Proven cross-functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
  • Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces.

What SpaceX employees say

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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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