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Phd Solar Material Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Sr. Scientist Experimental Mechanics

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... Master's or PhD degree in Applied Physics / Material Science and Engineering / Mechanical ...

Corning

Sr. Scientist Experimental Mechanics

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... Master's or PhD degree in Applied Physics / Material Science and Engineering / Mechanical ...

Corning

Sr. Scientist Experimental Mechanics

Corning, NY

$77K - $106K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... Master's or PhD degree in Applied Physics / Material Science and Engineering / Mechanical ...

Corning

Sr. Scientist Experimental Mechanics

Corning, NY · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... Master's or PhD degree in Applied Physics / Material Science and Engineering / Mechanical ...

Ucf

Post Doctoral Scholar

Orlando, FL

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, or a very ... solar receivers, chemical reactors, or heat exchangers. * A team player that is able to work ...

Corning

Senior Scientist, Coating Process

Corning, NY

$85K - $117K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field * Experience with ...

Corning

Senior Scientist, Coating Process

Corning, NY · On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field * Experience with ...

Corning

Senior Scientist, Coating Process

Corning, NY · On-site

$85K - $117K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field * Experience with ...

Corning

Senior Scientist, Coating Process

Corning, NY

$85K - $117K/yr

Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy ... PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field * Experience with ...

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Phd Solar Material information

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$16

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$77

How much do phd solar material jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd solar material in the United States is $29.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Solar Materials, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Solar Materials, you need advanced knowledge in materials science, solid-state physics, and photovoltaic technologies, typically supported by a doctoral degree in a related field. Experience with laboratory techniques, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD, and spectroscopy), and data analysis software is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and effective scientific communication set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are vital for driving innovation, publishing research, and contributing to advancements in solar energy technologies.

What are PhD Solar Material researchers?

PhD Solar Material researchers are scientists who specialize in the study and development of materials used in solar energy technologies. They typically hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related field, and focus on improving the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of solar cells and panels. Their work involves both experimental and theoretical research to discover new materials or enhance existing ones for better solar energy conversion. These researchers often collaborate with engineers and industry partners to bring innovative solar technologies to market.

What is the difference between Phd Solar Material vs Solar Cell Engineer?

AspectPhd Solar MaterialSolar Cell Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Materials Science, Physics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D centersManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, field testing
Industry UsageFocus on developing new materials for solar panelsDesign, optimize, and test solar cell systems

While both roles are integral to solar technology, a Phd Solar Material specializes in developing and researching new materials for solar panels, often working in academic or research settings. In contrast, a Solar Cell Engineer applies engineering principles to design and improve solar cell systems, typically working in industry manufacturing or product development.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD researchers specializing in solar materials, and how can they be addressed?

PhD researchers in solar materials often encounter challenges such as scaling lab results to real-world applications, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, and securing funding for experimental work. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams—such as chemists, physicists, and engineers—can help address technical hurdles and broaden research perspectives. Regular engagement with industry partners and attending conferences are also valuable for staying updated and identifying potential applications or commercialization opportunities.
Infographic showing various Phd Solar Material job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,679 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
Sr. Materials Engineer, Silicon Wafer Engineering (Starlink)

Sr. Materials Engineer, Silicon Wafer Engineering (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$103K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
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.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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