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Solar Cell Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Principal Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

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

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 ...

AST SpaceMobile

Quality Engineer - CIC

Homestead, FL · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

... Solar Cell Production Line meet internal quality standards and customer specifications. This ... Collaborate with R&D, production, and engineering teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ...

Solestial, Inc.

Facilities Manager

Tempe, AZ

$120K - $140K/yr

As the Facilities Manager you will be responsible for the entire Solestial solar cell and solar ... and R&D facilities in compliance with all regulatory codes and applicable rules. * Manage all ...

Solestial, Inc.

PV Manufacturing Manager

Tempe, AZ

Develop a strong understanding of end-to-end solar cell and module processes and design features ... Previous experience with photovoltaic solar modules or flexible circuits (R&D, manufacturing ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/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 I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/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 ...

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How much do solar cell research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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 July 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.
Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$101K - $128K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th 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.
EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (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 a best-in-class Equipment Reliability Engineer to drive asset reliability and uptime for advanced production equipment including vacuum deposition, chemical processing, metallization, and other automation systems. This high-impact role will help shape maintenance strategies from the ground up while enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.
The primary role of the Equipment Reliability Engineer is to identify and manage asset reliability risks that could adversely affect factory or business operations. As production ramps and increases rate, the Equipment Reliability Engineer's primary goal is to achieve maximum asset and system uptime (>95% on critical lines) by implementing and executing plans to minimize production losses, unpredictable asset behavior, and high costs for system maintainability. The Equipment Reliability Engineer acts as the accountable engineering resource in driving the design, build, and installation stages of new and modified assets, while providing technical support to production and other teams to prevent and mitigate operational issues on critical solar cell manufacturing equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with process, automation, materials, and other engineering teams to ensure reliability of new installations including thin-film deposition (PECVD, sputtering), chemical processing, vacuum systems, and robotics
  • Guide consistency and maintainability of critical equipment, processes, utilities, controls, safety systems, and cleanroom protocols
  • Own improvement plans, root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective actions for preventative/predictive maintenance, OEE, and downtime minimization
  • Define, monitor, and refine maintenance plans with predictive tools (vibration, cycle monitoring), RCM, and non-destructive testing
  • Prepare documentation for mechanical design, controls, software, schematics, and OEM manuals
  • Develop solutions to repetitive failures affecting capacity, quality, cost, compliance, or cleanroom standards
  • Analyze assets (utilization, OEE, useful life, costs) to support factory scaling
  • Lead troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, fluid, pneumatic, and robotic failures; provide hands-on support when needed
  • Manage requests for improvements, spares optimization (min/max, criticality), and CMMS
  • Drive continuous improvement using lean principles, Six Sigma, and technician feedback

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, systems, manufacturing engineering, or STEM discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in an engineering role in manufacturing, integration, reliability, maintenance, technical program management, and/or operations (internships applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Advanced degrees in engineering with reliability analysis experience through research and/or internships
  • 2+ years in maintenance/reliability in high-volume manufacturing, ideally semiconductor/solar/automation
  • Experience with control systems, automation, deposition tools (PECVD, sputtering), vacuum/chemical/mechanical/electrical/pneumatic components
  • Reading schematics, manuals, GD&T, P&IDs; RCA and leading troubleshooting
  • Proficiency in CMMS (Maximo, SAP, etc.), MRP/ERP, statistical tools, data analytics
  • Familiarity with lean, TPM, Six Sigma, RCM, predictive maintenance
  • Track record scaling programs in high-growth renewable/aerospace environments
  • Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, pyrophoric/toxic gases, hazardous chemical handling; CRE/CMRP; critical thinking/urgency

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 available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

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

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