ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solar Cell Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qcells

Process Engineer (Cell)

Cartersville, GA · On-site

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSolar Cell Manufacturing Jobs

Solar Cell Manufacturing information

See salary details

$36.5K

$78K

$116K

How much do solar cell manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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.
Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted 18 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.
INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (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 Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will design, build, and optimize controls and automation systems for the delivery of critical gases and chemicals in solar cell fabrication. This role requires a detail-oriented engineer passionate about safe handling of hazardous materials in a high-volume manufacturing environment, ensuring reliable control code and safe instrumentation and design of processes like vacuum deposition and etching while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency in our cutting-edge solar cell factory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, implement, and maintain automation systems including PLC programming and SCADA development for gas farm operations (e.g., vaporizers, storage, and transfer systems) and wastewater treatment processes (e.g., solids separation, clarification, and chemical dosing) to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance
  • Develop and program PLC control logic, PID loops, and interlocks for centralized control of distributed subsystems, optimizing for real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, pH, and effluent quality
  • Select, calibrate, and integrate field instrumentation (e.g., transmitters, sensors, analyzers) in hazardous environments, ensuring compatibility with safety standards like SIL, ATEX, and EPA/NPDES regulations
  • Lead commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and troubleshooting of control systems, performing root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and support 24/7 operations with rapid alarm response
  • Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, & UL508A regulations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or chemical discipline
  • 1+ years of experience with fluids/systems manufacturing, controls and automation, and/or programming (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Excited by a quick and iterative design and manufacturing role
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions in both design and implementation stages
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to make plans and directional recommendations collaboratively and cross-functionally
  • Ability to engineer creative, new approaches to problems while adhering to ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA safety requirements to keep a factory safe
  • Hazardous process expertise in an aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical industry where high pressure or hazardous systems for fluids or gasses were in use

Experience with at least one of the specific disciplines listed below. The ideal candidate is interested in learning at least the fundamentals of the other areas they are not yet strong in.
Electrical/Industrial Controls:
  • Electrical sizing of motors, valves, pneumatics, cables, circuit protection, VFDs, motor starters, various other motion systems
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred)
  • Field bus networks, serial communication, Profinet and Ethernet communications
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards

Industrial Software:
  • PLC programming, preferably Siemens TIA Portal structured text + ladder
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), ignition systems with focus on user friendly navigation and machine health monitoring and control
  • Field Bus Networking protocols, preferably EtherCAT, Profinet, Profisafe, Ethernet/IP
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB
  • Industrial software application to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, including how to safely checkout these interdisciplinary systems prior to production implementation

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

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply