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Solar Cell Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film perovskite solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Responsible for projects or functions that are highly ...

LONGi Solar

Sr Market Insights Analyst

Dallas, TX

The company has invested well over $1 billion into R&D in the past three years and currently holds multiple world record efficiencies for next-generation solar cell technologies. Furthermore, LONGi ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications * Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications * Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash ...

First Solar

Associate Development Engineer

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$62K - $89K/yr

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Primary/secondary ownership of projects or functional areas within ...

First Solar

Development Engineer III

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. * Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

Research, evaluate, and support selection of conventional and novel processes for solar array ... Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials - displacement damage dose ...

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How much do solar cell research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar cell research in the United States is $39.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.01 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for someone in a Solar Cell Research position?

Professionals in Solar Cell Research often begin as research assistants or junior scientists and can progress to roles like lead researcher, laboratory manager, or project coordinator as they gain expertise and experience. Many industry professionals also pursue advanced degrees or certifications, which open doors to senior research, product development, or executive positions within energy companies and academic institutions. Collaboration with engineers, production teams, and external partners also broadens future possibilities, including transitioning into commercial, policy, or teaching roles. Regular involvement in high-impact research projects and publishing findings can further enhance advancement prospects. This career path offers diverse opportunities for growth and specialization as the solar energy sector continues to expand.

What is a Solar Cell Research job?

A Solar Cell Research job involves studying, developing, and improving photovoltaic (PV) technologies to enhance solar energy efficiency and affordability. Researchers work on materials, manufacturing processes, and innovative designs to increase energy conversion rates. They may collaborate with engineers, industries, and academic institutions to develop next-generation solar cells. This role often includes laboratory experiments, data analysis, and publishing findings in scientific journals. The goal is to advance solar technology for widespread adoption and sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Cell Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Cell Research, a strong background in materials science, physics, chemistry, or electrical engineering is typically required, supported by at least a bachelor's or advanced degree. Experience with laboratory instruments, photovoltaic simulation software, and safety certifications such as OSHA are highly valued. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and progressing in this field. These competencies are essential for advancing solar technology, ensuring reliable results, and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.

More about Solar Cell Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Cell Research jobs? The most popular types of Solar Cell Research jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Cell Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Cell Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Cell Research jobs are:
Solar Cell Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Cell Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,905 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Principal Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory

Principal Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 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.
PRINCIPAL WATER TREATMENT ENGINEER, SOLAR CELL FACTORY (STARLINK)
SpaceX is developing a low-latency, broadband internet system to meet the needs of consumers across the globe. Enabled by a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink will provide fast, reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity, including those in rural communities and places where existing services are too expensive or unreliable. We are looking for talented, creative, and driven engineers to drive tools and processes, from initial concept development to full-scale production. You will drive the relationship between engineering, development, and production teams and will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases. The success of Starlink depends on the quality, reliability, cost, manufacturability, throughput, security, and user experience of the products that you deliver.
As a Principal Water Treatment Engineer on the Starlink manufacturing program, you will take ownership for activating, qualifying, optimizing, and ensuring the consistency of operations for an ultrapure process water plant supporting our printed circuit board, silicon packaging, and solar cell manufacturing lines. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and operationalization of equipment, facilities, tooling, and manufacturing process technologies necessary for high-volume production. Your work will form the backbone for millions of next-generation devices used all over the world. For homes, schools, businesses, vehicles, planes, or boats, this team plays an instrumental role in ensuring high-speed connectivity is available to all who need it.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Demonstrate extreme ownership in the construction, activation, and operation of a new commercial ultrapure process water treatment facility
  • Design, implement, and productionize mechanical and fluid systems that meet SpaceX and regulatory requirements
  • Interpret lab analysis, data streams, and operator feedback to effectively maintain safe and effective plant operations
  • Develop, implement, maintain, and improve operational procedures, methods, and process equipment
  • Form strong partnerships with internal and external counterparts, including but not limited to manufacturing operations and engineering, environment health and safety (EHS), facilities construction and maintenance teams, representatives of regulatory bodies, OEM equipment manufactures, and supplier representatives
  • Identify and champion continuous improvement projects
  • Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines
  • Monitor and communicate area status and risks

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering, math, or science discipline
  • 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or with fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 12+ years hands-on project experience in wastewater treatment
  • Experience with process parameters and engineering units for temperature, pressure, flow, and power
  • Ability to read and understand process PFDs, P&IDs, 2D and 3D CAD drawings, construction drawings, and BOMs
  • Experience with mechanical equipment and systems requiring the isolation of the malfunction, disassembly of industrial machinery, and repair/replacement of bearings, gears, structural components
  • Experience with lock out tag out, job hazard analysis, and hot work permitting
  • Experience applying lean manufacturing principles
  • Experience taking products from research and development into production

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Able to work all shifts and available for weekends as needed
  • Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
  • Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted
  • Able to work outside with hand tools
  • Able to stand, climb, walk and work with object overhead

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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