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Solar Cell Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qcells

Process Engineer (Cell)

White, GA

Cartersville, GA SUMMARY The Cell Process Team maintains and develops manufacturing processes mainly to enhance the overall performance of solar cell products, including power conversion efficiency ...

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$36.5K

$78K

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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.
Manager, Facilities Operations - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Manager, Facilities Operations - Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 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.
MANAGER, FACILITIES OPERATIONS - SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
At SpaceX, we are building the next generation of space infrastructure to enable large-scale AI data centers in orbit. These orbital AI platforms require massive amounts of reliable, high-efficiency solar power to support intensive computing workloads in space. To make this possible, we are standing up one of the largest solar cell manufacturing facilities in the world. We are seeking an experienced Facility Operations Manager to lead the central utility plant, infrastructure systems, and site services that enable high-volume solar cell production. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to build and shape the organization from the ground up while directly enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead daily operations of the central utility plant, gas farm, chemical systems, and wastewater treatment infrastructure that enable 24/7 solar cell manufacturing
  • Oversee high-purity gas and chemical procurement, storage, distribution, and delivery systems while minimizing waste and ensuring uninterrupted supply to production lines
  • Manage critical building and environmental systems (HVAC, power distribution, plumbing, and exhaust) to maintain precise cleanroom conditions required for space-grade solar cells
  • Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules, operational procedures, safety training, and emergency response plans to guarantee facility uptime and risk mitigation
  • Lead and develop a team of facility technicians and operators, providing coaching and performance management in a high-reliability environment
  • Collaborate with Production, Machine Maintenance, and EHS teams to troubleshoot issues, integrate new processes, and support factory expansion as output
  • Track and optimize key performance metrics including system uptime, utility costs, environmental compliance, and impact on production yield
  • Drive sustainable operations and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and local codes) while continuously improving cost efficiency and infrastructure reliability
  • Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation to enable SpaceX's vision for AI data centers in space

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or STEM discipline; OR 5+ years of experience leading facilities/utilities operations
  • 3+ years of experience working in a manufacturing/operations environment
  • 2+ years of experience in a leadership position
  • Experience managing central utility plants, gas/chemical systems, and/or general facilities

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Strong knowledge of central utility plants, gas farms, chemical distribution, and building systems (HVAC, electrical, pneumatic)
  • Experience with environmental permitting, auditing, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory compliance in a factory setting
  • Experience with solar cell production support systems, including pyrophoric gases, toxic chemicals, and wastewater treatment
  • Expertise in SCADA systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation for facility and utility control
  • Familiarity with Six Sigma or similar process improvement methodologies applied to facility operations
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex infrastructure in high-stakes, high-growth manufacturing environments
  • Demonstrated success working in dynamic environments with strict safety, environmental, and operational requirements

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to travel internationally (20%)
  • Ability to stand up to 6 hours, lift up to 25 pounds unassisted, and maneuver around equipment in a factory setting
  • Ability to work in industrial environments with fumes/odors, noise, hazardous chemicals, and confined spaces
  • Must be willing to work all shifts, extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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 EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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