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Solar Cell Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Muon Space

Solar Manufacturing Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $155K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Solar Manufacturing Lead to spearhead the stand-up of our in-house ... Knowledge of automation/robotics for solar cell handling. * Familiarity with CAD software ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of ... Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

Lyten, Inc.

Manufacturing Technician I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$26 - $39/hr

High volume manufacturing exposure in printed-electronics, solar-cell, semiconductor, or battery industries * Previous experience working in a dry-room or a clean-room * Minimum of 1 years of ...

Lyten, Inc.

Manufacturing Technician II

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$31.63 - $47.50/hr

... solar-cell, semiconductor, or battery industries • Previous experience working in a dry-room or a clean-room • Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Design experiments, hands-on fabricate core layers, characterize ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Design experiments, hands-on fabricate core layers, characterize ...

Lyten, Inc.

Manufacturing Technician I

San Jose, CA

$26 - $39/hr

High volume manufacturing exposure in printed-electronics, solar-cell, semiconductor, or battery industries * Previous experience working in a dry-room or a clean-room * Minimum of 1 years of ...

Lyten, Inc.

Manufacturing Technician II

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$31.63 - $47.50/hr

... solar-cell, semiconductor, or battery industries Previous experience working in a dry-room or a clean-room Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing facility o ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of ... Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

Impulse Space

Avionics Solar Technician

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Manufacturing Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $30.00 - $45.00 ... Perform manual soldering of solar cell strings including tab ribbon soldering, cell-to-cell ...

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K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

You will develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes for K2's solar array systems. The ... Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials - displacement damage dose ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of ... Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. This individual will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. This individual will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME ...

Impulse Space

Avionics Solar Technician

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Perform manual soldering of solar cell strings including tab ribbon soldering, cell-to-cell ... High School Diploma or equivalent * 2+ years of experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment

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All JobsSolar Cell Manufacturing JobsSolar Cell Manufacturing Jobs in California

Solar Cell Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$36K

$77K

$114.5K

How much do solar cell manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar cell manufacturing in California is $76,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in California? For Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in California are:
Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Cell Manufacturing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,978 per year, or $37 per hour.

Solar Manufacturing Lead

Muon Space

San Jose, CA • On-site

$144K - $155K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks a Solar Manufacturing Lead to spearhead the stand-up of our in-house solar module production line. This is a high-impact role where you will bridge the gap between design and production and own the vertical integration of this critical component. 

You will be the primary technical point of contact with external partners and internal engineering resources, responsible for building this capability within our facility. You will execute the lab layout, equipment procurement, and process qualification required to build the high-performance solar arrays that power our spacecraft.

Responsibilities
  • Facility & Line Setup: Lead the end-to-end setup of the solar manufacturing lab, including facility requirements (cleanliness, ESD, climate control), equipment installation, and workstation optimization.
  • Technology Transfer: Act as the primary liaison with partners to leverage external technologies to build our line. Work closely with engineering teams to master and document processes including stringing, lamination, and assembly.
  • Equipment Qualification: Support the procurement and commissioning of production hardware (e.g., laser cutters, laminators, solar simulators/flash testers, etc.)
  • Process Development: Create and maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) optimized for our specific spacecraft requirements.
  • NPI & Scaling: Lead the transition from initial "pathfinder" builds to full-rate flight production. Identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks and yield issues.
  • Quality & Testing: Implement in-line quality controls, including Electroluminescence (EL) testing and flash testing, to ensure every module meets space-grade reliability standards.
  • Vendor Evaluation and Engagement: When required, engage and evaluate tooling vendors and suppliers to secure our supply chain both domestically and internationally.
Qualifications 
  • 5+ years in solar module manufacturing or high-precision electromechanical assembly (semiconductor, medical device, or aerospace).
  • B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Deep familiarity with PV module assembly (stringing, tabbing, encapsulation, and lamination).
  • Demonstrated experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and manufacturing line establishment
  • Exceptional ability to work with external partners/vendors and translate complex technical IP into internal execution.
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Direct experience working with custom terrestrial solar technology or similar high-efficiency space-grade PV modules.
  • Experience with space-environment reliability standards (thermal cycling, vacuum bake-out, and vibration).
  • Knowledge of automation/robotics for solar cell handling.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks) for tooling and fixture design.
Salary

The salary range for this role is $144,000 - $155,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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