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Phd Solar Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Enphase Energy

Staff Power Test Engineer

Austin, TX

$100K - $151K/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

Staff Power Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

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 ...

First Solar

Senior Technologist USA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$232K - $331K/yr

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related discipline. * 15+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or closely related field with 10+ years of experience with ...

Nextracker

Sr. Principal Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site +1

PhD in Optimization, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, or a closely ... Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and ...

First Solar

Senior Technologist USA

Santa Clara, CA

$232K - $331K/yr

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related discipline. * 15+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or closely related field with 10+ years of experience with ...

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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 Jun 4, 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 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 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.

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Phd Solar Engineer jobs near you

Lead Thermal Design Engineer

Exowatt

Miami, FL • On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system that captures solar energy, stores it as heat, and generates electricity on demand. Founded in 2023 and backed by leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sam Altman, and Felicis, we're committed to providing clean, modular, and scalable power that meets the rapidly growing demands of AI infrastructure. Our mission is to make sustainable renewable energy always available and almost free, enabling technological advancement while protecting our planet. 
 
We are seeking a Lead Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of solar thermal receivers for our energy systems. In this role, you will own the engineering of components that absorb and transfer high-flux solar radiation into our thermal storage systems. You will work at the intersection of heat transfer, materials science, and optical engineering to push the boundaries of receiver efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
 
This position is based in Miami, FL preferred, however an alternate location of Austin, TX is possible for the right candidate. If hired for this role, relocation to one of these sites is required. We provide relocation assistance.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the end-to-end design and development of high-temperature solar receivers optimized for solar field integration
  • Develop thermal and optical models to predict receiver performance, including flux distribution, heat transfer efficiency, and thermal stress analysis
  • Select and qualify materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures (800°C–1000°C+), thermal cycling, and high solar flux environments
  • Design receiver geometries (cavity, external, tubular, particle-based) to maximize energy absorption while minimizing thermal losses and mechanical fatigue
  • Collaborate with solar collection and controls teams to optimize aiming strategies and flux distribution on receiver surfaces
  • Interface with heat exchanger and thermal storage engineers to ensure seamless integration of receiver output with downstream systems
  • Develop and execute testing protocols for receiver prototypes, including high-flux testing and accelerated life cycle evaluation
  • Drive design-for-manufacturing initiatives to reduce receiver cost and improve producibility at scale
  • Stay current with advances in receiver technology, high-temperature coatings, and selective absorber materials
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; Master's or PhD preferred
  • 7+ years of experience in thermal systems design, with significant focus on high-temperature receiver or heat exchanger development
  • Demonstrated expertise in solar thermal receiver design for tower-based or central receiver systems
  • Strong background in heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics
  • Proficiency with thermal simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, SolarPILOT, or equivalent)
  • Experience with high-temperature materials including ceramics, refractory metals, and advanced alloys
  • Hands-on experience taking receiver designs from concept through prototype testing and into production
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with molten salt, liquid sodium, or particle-based heat transfer media
  • Knowledge of selective absorber coatings and high-temperature surface treatments
  • Familiarity with optical modeling and ray-tracing software for flux analysis
  • Background in solar field optimization and aiming point strategies
  • Publications or patents in solar thermal receiver technology
What We Offer:
Competitive salary and equity options.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
A dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.
Relocation assistance.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.