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Solar Cell Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... manufacturing, and qualification * Background working across multiple solar array architectures with variations in cell, module, and system technologies for high-power, long-life applications

... manufacturing, qualification, and analysis of flight data. * Background working on multiple solar array systems with variations in cell, module, and system architecture technologies for high-power ...

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $144K/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 ...

Polymer Chemist - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Starlight Solar Travel: Occasional About Starpath Starpath develops and manufactures the ... cell, panel, and manufacturing engineering * Push back on unnecessary complexity - simplify ...

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $144K/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 ...

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $144K/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 ...

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... manufacturing, and qualification * Background working across multiple solar array architectures with variations in cell, module, and system technologies for high-power, long-life applications

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... manufacturing, and qualification * Background working across multiple solar array architectures with variations in cell, module, and system technologies for high-power, long-life applications

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

... manufacturing, qualification, and analysis of flight data. * Background working on multiple solar array systems with variations in cell, module, and system architecture technologies for high-power ...

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

... manufacturing, qualification, and analysis of flight data. * Background working on multiple solar array systems with variations in cell, module, and system architecture technologies for high-power ...

Showing results 41-60

Solar Cell Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$36K

$77K

$114.5K

How much do solar cell manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 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 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 jobs does solar cell manufacturing create?

Solar cell manufacturing creates a variety of jobs including production technicians, quality control inspectors, process engineers, equipment maintenance workers, and research and development scientists. These roles involve operating manufacturing equipment, ensuring product quality, improving production processes, and developing new solar cell technologies.

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:

Infographic showing various Solar Cell Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,978 per year, or $37 per hour.

Reliability Engineer - Photovoltaics

Swift Solar

San Carlos, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

About the company

At Swift Solar, our mission is to unlock the full potential of solar energy. We believe solar can provide affordable, reliable, resilient, clean energy to virtually anyone, anywhere. But while today's solar technology is good, it's not good enough.
Swift Solar's breakthrough perovskite-silicon tandem technology will drive solar power to commanding new heights. Our tandem cells stack a perovskite layer on top of a heterojunction (HJT) silicon cell, delivering dramatically higher efficiency than traditional silicon alone. In 2026, we acquired Meyer Burger's HJT intellectual property and manufacturing assets, giving us the world's most extensive HJT patent portfolio and a clear path to gigawatt-scale domestic production.
This vertically integrated approach means we can design, manufacture, and scale next-generation solar solutions entirely in the United States-from silicon foundations to perovskite innovations. Our technology enables applications ranging from space solar to utility-scale power generation, creating American-made solutions for a world facing growing energy challenges.
Swift Solar is on a journey to bring revolutionary clean-energy technology to market. We're in it for the long haul, with support from world-class investors. Join our extraordinary team building the cutting-edge solar technology that will power the future.

A day in the life

As a Reliability Engineer at Swift, you'll drive cell-package interactions and module-level reliability, addressing the unique challenges of a first-generation technology moving from concept through certification and towards manufacturing.

On a typical day, you might schedule and execute reliability tests on tandem mini-modules and full modules-spanning environmental, thermomechanical, and accelerated life tests such as damp heat, thermal cycling, UV, and outdoor exposure-then evaluate the results. You might perform failure analysis on tandem modules, design a non-standard accelerated stress protocol to reproduce a field failure, or coordinate third-party testing with external labs.

You'll contribute a reliability perspective, collaborate with the Product Management team on lifetime modeling, and develop hypotheses you communicate clearly to the Materials R&D, Process Engineering, and Product Development teams. As an early hire, you'll help shape how the reliability function operates as the team grows and interacts with every part of the company along the way.

You might be a good fit if you...ย 

  • Have 3-5 years of experience in PV module reliability, spanning from R&D to third-party validation and certification.
  • Have a demonstrated ability to diagnose failure mechanisms and translate findings into data-driven insights for cross-functional teams.
  • Have experience working with external testing labs to define and complete testing.
  • Have a solid understanding of PV cell and module device physics.
  • Have a proven ability to work well with cross-functional teams (R&D, Product Development, Engineering, Manufacturing), showing strong communication and empathy.
  • Are proficient in statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP) and the application of statistics to reliability analysis.
A strong candidate might bring one or more of the following...
  • Experience with more than one PV cell type.
  • Experience developing non-standard accelerated testing protocols for a first-generation technology.
  • Familiarity with reliability engineering tools (e.g., FMEA, 8D, RCA, DFR).
  • Experience sourcing reliability test equipment.
  • An understanding of why solving climate change is an urgent and critical challenge.
  • Genuine enthusiasm for the challenges that come with working at a startup.
The logistics
  • Compensation: Competitive package including salary, equity, and benefits
    • Expected Pay Range: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
    • The actual offer, reflecting total compensation and benefits, will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, and other qualificationsย 
  • Ideal start date: July-August 2026
  • Job type: Full-time
  • Location: San Carlos, CA (Swift Solar HQ)
What you'll love about Swift
  • Work with purpose: Join our mission to unlock the full potential of solar energy and make a global impact.ย 
  • Lead with innovation: Be part of an extraordinary team building cutting-edge solar technology - growth mindset; culture
  • Thrive with benefits: Have 100% of your monthly premiums for HMO / PPO group healthcare plan options and 75% of your dental and vision insurance premiums covered by us. Employees also benefit from 401(k) matching, clean commuter benefits, and meaningful equity.ย 
  • Invest in your career: You'll grow your skills, your network, and your perspective at Swift. We'll support you in attending conferences and taking online courses, as long as you share your new insights with the team.

We recognize that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply if they don't meet all the criteria. If you're excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We're eager to meet people from all backgrounds, and your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

If you believe in our mission, but this isn't the right job for you, please check out other career opportunities on our website and email us at careers@swiftsolar.com with any questions. And if you have a friend who would be a perfect fit, send them this link. Thanks!

Swift is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives.