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Phd Solar Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Array Technologies, Inc.

Senior PV Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Ideate and carry out R&D on new solar tracker control enhancements and PV modeling methodologies ... PhD in a relevant Engineering or Science discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience

Array Technologies, Inc.

$101K - $139K/yr

Ideate and carry out R&D on new solar tracker control enhancements and PV modeling methodologies ... PhD in a relevant Engineering or Science discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience

Exowatt

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar ... Master's or PhD preferred * 7+ years of experience in thermal systems design, with significant ...

Exowatt

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar ... Master's or PhD preferred * 7+ years of experience in thermal systems design, with significant ...

Exowatt

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar ... Master's or PhD preferred * 7+ years of experience in thermal systems design, with significant ...

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Phd Solar Engineer information

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$94.5K

$130.5K

How much do phd solar engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd solar engineer in the United States is $128,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
More about Phd Solar Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Phd Solar Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Phd Solar Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Phd Solar Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Phd Solar Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Phd Solar Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Solar Engineer jobs are:
Phd Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Solar Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,141 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Engineer- Manufacturing Technology Scaling Principal USA

First Solar

Perrysburg, OH • On-site

$112K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Lead scale-up and qualification of new processes and equipment from R&D to Pilot and 24x7 High-Volume Manufacturing working cross-functionally with Development Engineering, Integrated Supply-Chain, Environmental-Health-Safety and Quality & Reliability.
  • Initiate and lead complex equipment or process changes following CMS stage-gate process and work with Global Alignment Team counterparts to successfully replicate the changes.
  • Equipment and Process troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
  • Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
  • Leverage tools like SQL, Python, JMP, Power-BI to define, develop and set-up visualization and systems for process control and excursion prevention.

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.
  • >8 years process engineering and/or R&D experience in a manufacturing environment; Experience should be in the broad field of Semiconductor or PV or Battery Manufacturing or Technology Development in areas of Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, CVD, ALD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing (continuous or batch ovens) OR Wet Coatings (Slot-Die, Ink-Jet, Roller or Blade Coating), Automation (Robots and AGV Material Handling) OR Laser Processing (Scribing, Cleaning, Marking) OR Process/ Device Integration (Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting) is required.
  • Fluent with statistical analysis methods and tools and structured problem solving; Adept at analyzing big data-sets using tools like JMP, SAS or Minitab and Analytical AI solutions for manufacturing problems.
  • Experience in Photovoltaics Manufacturing Flow or Technology Development experience in the broad fields of Thin Film Vacuum Deposition, Glass Thermo-Mechanical Processing, Module Packaging and Structural Development, Semiconductor Processes, Electrical Device Integration.
  • Good familiarity with Materials Analysis methods like optical and x-ray spectroscopy, microscopy and electrical characterization to be able to leverage the same in troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams including goal-setting and performance management.
  • Bachelors/Masters/PhD Degree in Engineering Discipline or Physical Science Field or equivalent.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Lead teams through technical problem solving or project planning towards program milestone deliverables. Ability to influence cross-functionally for making decisions.
  • Experience in large area vacuum thin film deposition with desired experience related to ALD, precursor chemistries, precursor handling and abatement or other vacuum deposition techniques, including Sputtering, evaporation, CVD.
  • Proficient with demonstrable experience in Process Maps, Process Documentation including Control Plans, Statistical Process Controls, FMEAs; Use these systems to author technical white papers, define test priorities for risk reduction and present in stage-gate reviews.
  • Specifying New Equipment for Manufacturing, and Vendor engagement through Design, Build and Qualification.
  • Experienced in technology development concepts like Robust Engineering, Design of Experiments and Design for Manufacturability.
  • Demonstrated Hands-On experience in Equipment and Process troubleshooting; excellent in structured methods for problem solving in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to develop and deliver technical training and documentation.
  • Prior experience in Manufacturing or Technology development teams within Semiconductor, Photovoltaic, Flat-Panel Display, Architectural Glass Coating, Battery or Chemical Processing Industries.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Responsible to develop, continually improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes to achieve the highest product performance in a cost-efficient manner.
  • Perform in-depth investigations into process issues.
  • Evaluate new proposed equipment according to process standards.
  • Reviews process experiment proposals and subsequent results.
  • Defines and implements corrective/preventive actions and continuous improvement activities as assigned.
  • Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
  • Lead task forces and project teams.
  • Able to influence up to director level globally.
  • Directly and indirectly manage a technical staff up to and including senior engineer level.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:
  • This position reports to the Manager or Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Technology Scaling.

Travel:
  • 20%.

Estimated Salary Range:
  • $112,300-$160,000 Annually.

US Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will lift, push or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
  • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

Office Physical Requirements:
All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.
Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

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