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Solar Cell Manufacturing Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Solar Cell Manufacturing information

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$34K

$72.7K

$108.1K

How much do solar cell manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar cell manufacturing in Texas is $72,669.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $92,200.00 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 Texas? The most popular types of Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in Texas? For Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs in Texas are:
Solar Cell Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Cell Manufacturing job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,669 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Equipment Engineering Manager - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Equipment Engineering Manager - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted 4 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

MANAGER, EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING (SOLAR CELL MANUFACTURING)

SpaceX is seeking a highly motivated Equipment Engineering Manager to lead the development, installation, qualification, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing equipment for our next-generation solar cell production lines. In this role, you will drive equipment strategy, reliability, and performance to enable high-volume, high-efficiency solar cell manufacturing that supports SpaceX's energy goals. Your scope will span initial factory turn-on, execution of ambitious factory ramps, and driving of equipment strategy to support continuous solar cell technology and performance improvements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Grow, lead, and mentor a team of equipment engineers responsible for solar cell manufacturing tools including wet chemical benches, PECVD deposition systems, PVD/sputtering tools, metrology/inspection systems, and beyond
  • Own equipment lifecycle management from installation and process qualification through high-volume production, including preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts optimization, and continuous improvement of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment downtime, yield excursions, and process drift using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, DOE).
  • Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, and facilities teams to define equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, and capacity expansion roadmaps for solar cell technologies
  • Develop and execute equipment roadmaps that improve throughput, reduce cost per watt, and increase cell efficiency while maintaining world-class uptime
  • Establish and enforce equipment safety, cleanroom protocols, and change control processes in a high-volume semiconductor-style manufacturing environment.
  • Partner with vendors and internal SpaceX designers to evaluate, qualify, and integrate new equipment platforms and drive performance improvements on existing tools
  • Track and report key performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, yield impact, cost of ownership) to senior leadership and drive data-driven decisions
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring equipment is ready for pilot and ramp phases of next-generation cell architectures

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science
  • 5+ years of experience in equipment engineering or maintenance in a high-volume manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, or related industry)
  • 5+ years of experience managing or leading a team of engineers
  • Experience with thin-film deposition, vacuum systems, or wet processing equipment

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience specifically with silicon solar cell manufacturing equipment, processes, chemicals, and gases
  • Strong background in semiconductor equipment (PECVD, PVD, ALD, etch, or CMP) or photovoltaic production lines
  • Machine design and/or manufacturing background with proven track record of going from idea to working system
  • Proven track record of improving equipment availability, reducing cost of ownership, and scaling manufacturing capacity
  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), data analytics platforms, and equipment automation (SECS/GEM, PLCs, SCADA)
  • Knowledge of cleanroom operations, contamination control, and safety standards in a high-tech manufacturing setting
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and long weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

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