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$36.5K

$78K

$116K

How much do solar cell manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar cell manufacturing 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 in Solar Cell Manufacturing, and why are they important?

A strong background in materials science, engineering, or physics, often with a relevant degree or technical training, is essential for working in solar cell manufacturing. Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication equipment, quality control systems, and industry-standard software like CAD or process control tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that enhance performance in this field. These competencies ensure efficient production, high product quality, and innovation in a rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in solar cell manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in solar cell manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining high product quality while maximizing production efficiency, adapting to rapid technological advances, and ensuring strict safety standards in a cleanroom environment. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous training on new manufacturing processes, close collaboration with engineering and quality assurance teams, and adhering to established protocols for equipment maintenance and safety. Staying proactive in learning and open communication with team members helps in effectively managing these complexities, ultimately contributing to both individual and organizational success.

What is solar cell manufacturing?

Solar cell manufacturing is the process of producing photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. This involves several steps, including the purification of silicon, wafer production, cell fabrication, and module assembly. Modern manufacturing techniques focus on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. The end product is used in solar panels for residential, commercial, and industrial energy generation. Solar cell manufacturing is a key industry in the transition to renewable energy.

What is the difference between Solar Cell Manufacturing vs Solar Panel Installation?

AspectSolar Cell ManufacturingSolar Panel Installation
Primary RoleProducing solar cells and modules in a factory settingInstalling solar panels at residential or commercial sites
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, controlled environmentsOn-site at customer locations, outdoor or rooftop
Required SkillsTechnical skills in electronics, materials, and manufacturing processesElectrical knowledge, installation skills, safety protocols
CertificationsManufacturing certifications, technical trainingElectrical licenses, safety certifications

Solar Cell Manufacturing focuses on producing solar cells and modules in factories, requiring technical manufacturing skills. In contrast, Solar Panel Installation involves on-site setup of solar systems, emphasizing installation expertise and safety. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ significantly in work environment and skill requirements.

More about Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs are:
Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Cell Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,000 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Mechanical Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted yesterday

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

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (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 Mechanical Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize mechanical and automation systems for the production of solar cell manufacturing equipment and material movement mechanisms. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe electrical design, designing robust and efficient mechanical systems, and taking on total ownership of existing systems for optimization in addition to development of novel equipment, all while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Own electronics manufacturing subsystems and equipment from conceptual design through high-volume production and automation ramp
  • Develop design criteria, collaborate on requirements, and drive system-level optimization
  • Test and iterate on products by performing failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability modeling, and stress testing to predict and mitigate potential failures and drive high overall equipment effectiveness
  • Design and develop the production lines that manufacture your product, including robot end effector design, process development, control system design, automation programming, and more
  • Uptime Optimization: Monitor and track equipment uptime metrics using data analytics tools; identify bottlenecks, downtime causes, and implement preventive measures such as predictive maintenance schedules to maximize operational availability
  • Evaluate and select equipment suppliers based on reliability, performance requirements and core business needs; oversee installation, commissioning, and ongoing performance of vendor-supplied process equipment to ensure target rate, yield and uptime is achieved

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
  • Experience with CAD and FEA software packages 
  • 1+ years of professional experience with mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internship experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline 
  • 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and analysis
  • 2+ years of hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team lead
  • Proficient in 3D CAD (NX preferred)
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T, mechanical engineering fundamentals, structural analysis, and failure modes of complex mechanical systems
  • Prior ownership of a complex component or assembly from initial design through high-volume production ramp
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how to design for manufacturability
  • Exposure to some variety of production machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment (motion systems, dispense systems, temperature controllers, laser distance sensors, injection molders, die casters, etc.)
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones 

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