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How much do solar cell jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar cell in the United States is $78,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Cell Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Cell Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, physics, electrical engineering, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with photovoltaic simulation software, semiconductor fabrication tools, and industry standards such as IEC or UL certifications is often required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and improving solar cell technology. These skills and qualities are essential for advancing efficient, reliable solar energy solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in solar cell research and development?

Professionals in solar cell research and development often face the challenge of balancing efficiency improvements with cost-effectiveness and scalability. Keeping up with rapid technological advancements and integrating new materials or processes can be demanding. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as engineers, material scientists, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to move innovations from the lab to large-scale production. Additionally, navigating strict safety and environmental regulations is a key part of the role.

What are solar cells?

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. They are typically made from semiconductor materials like silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current. Solar cells are the building blocks of solar panels, which are widely used for renewable energy generation in homes, businesses, and utility-scale power plants. Their efficiency and affordability have improved significantly over the years, making solar energy an increasingly popular and sustainable power source.

What is the difference between Solar Cell vs Solar Panel Installer?

AspectSolar CellSolar Panel Installer
Primary RoleIndividual component that converts sunlight into electricityProfessionally installs solar panels and systems
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials; knowledge of solar technologyCertifications like NABCEP, safety training required
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, research labs, or assemblyConstruction sites, rooftops, outdoor locations
Industry UsageComponent within solar energy systemsInstallation and maintenance of solar energy systems

While a solar cell is a fundamental component that converts sunlight into electricity, a solar panel installer is a professional who installs these components into complete solar energy systems. Understanding the difference helps clarify roles in the solar industry, from manufacturing to installation.

More about Solar Cell jobs
What states have the most Solar Cell jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Cell jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Cell jobs are:
Solar Cell jobs near you
Fluids Systems Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Fluids Systems Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted 22 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 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.
FLUIDS SYSTEMS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
The Solar Cell team is revolutionizing power generation for space applications through advanced solar cell manufacturing. We're scaling production of high-efficiency solar cells to support sustainable energy solutions for Starlink constellations, launch vehicles, and beyond. As a Solar Cell Factory Fluids Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize fluid systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe handling of hazardous materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring reliable supply to processes like vacuum deposition and etching while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, build, and activate fluids systems for the distribution of key gases (e.g. specialty and bulk gases), chemicals (e.g., hydrofluoric acid, solvents) and exhaust systems used in solar cell processes, including tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, gas panels, valves, scrubbers, and abatement systems
  • Cradle-to-grave project ownership including requirement definition, design, justification of key decisions, equipment procurement, build coordination, commissioning and project management throughout
  • Design modular systems capable of being manufactured at scale for future solar production facilities
  • Apply fluids/mechanical engineering skills such as P&ID development, equipment sizing, detailed fluid and thermal analysis, system-level CONOP development, structural analysis, materials and component selection.
  • Perform safety/hazard assessments (ex. FMEAs, HAZOPs) to ensure appropriate hazardous system design, including emergency shutdown CONOPs, redundancy, and general compliance with hazardous material safety standards
  • Design, build, and deploy data acquisition and control systems for fluid facilities control and monitoring
  • Collaborate with process engineers to integrate fluid systems with manufacturing equipment and optimize delivery rates, purity levels, and recovery/recycling of process fluids to support high-yield production
  • Support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of fluid systems, working closely with facilities operations, EHS, automation, and procurement teams to resolve issues and implement improvements
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, ASME, NFPA, and SEMI standards for chemical and gas handling in semiconductor-like environments
  • Track system performance metrics (e.g., flow rates, contamination levels, downtime) and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, such as lean manufacturing and sustainability efforts for fluid reuse

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of hands-on build or design experience (internship, club, and competition team experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Advanced degree in engineering or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in fluid systems design, particularly with gases or hazardous chemicals in manufacturing or semiconductor industries
  • 2+ years of experience in photovoltaic, semiconductor, or thin-film deposition manufacturing
  • Knowledge of safety protocols for handling pyrophoric materials (e.g., silane) and toxic gases/chemicals (e.g., phosphine, HF)
  • Knowledge of ASME B31.3, SEMI S2/S8 standards and experience with cleanroom HVAC integration for fluid systems
  • Familiarity with cleanroom fluid systems, gas cabinets, scrubbers, and wastewater neutralization for solar cell fabrication
  • Familiarity with air separation units (ASUs) for gaseous nitrogen production.
  • Certification in process safety (e.g., CSP, Six Sigma Green Belt) or hazardous materials handling
  • Proficiency in fluid dynamics software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, Pipe-Flo) and CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for system modeling and diagramming
  • Experience with process safety management, including risk assessment and regulatory compliance
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and communicate effectively
  • Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while maintaining a high sense of urgency in a demanding work environment
  • Creativity to imagine and design for reliability, efficiency, and maintainability from scratch

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startup
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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

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