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Solar Cell Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

Senior Solar R&D Technician

Seattle, WA

$43.74 - $61.24/hr

... R&D environment. Special Mentions: * Relocation provided * Travel expected up to 25% of the time ... Assemble solar cell strings; perform welding/tabbing, adhesive dispense, lamination/encapsulation ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Senior Solar R&D Technician

Seattle, WA · On-site

$43.74 - $61.24/hr

... R&D environment. Special Mentions: * Relocation provided * Travel expected up to 25% of the time ... Assemble solar cell strings; perform welding/tabbing, adhesive dispense, lamination/encapsulation ...

AST SpaceMobile

Quality Engineer - CIC

Homestead, FL

$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 · On-site

$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 · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Solar Cell Research information

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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.
Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

Sr. Materials Engineer, Electronic Materials

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 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.
SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, providing fast, reliable internet to 10M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we are looking for the best-in-class engineers to join the team.
We are seeking a Sr. Materials Engineer to join our Bastrop, TX team, where we are advancing materials technologies to support the deployment of Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in semiconductor device physics and device fabrication, along with hands-on industry experience in at least one of the following domains-solar cell development, panel-level packaging, or printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing-to drive material and process innovations across all three areas. This position requires a technical expert who delivers thoughtful leadership, collaborates with stakeholders to execute strategies aligned with Starlink's business objectives, budget, and priorities, while orchestrating end-to-end equipment and process development. You will push material and device performance limits to enable high-efficiency, reliable systems for space and terrestrial applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead the development and optimization of CVD recipes and device fabrication processes to boost solar cell efficiency.
  • Own the full lifecycle of equipment specification, validation, and process development- including device modeling, characterization of performance metrics, and materials failure analysis.
  • Build supply chains for wafers, gases, chemicals, and equipment for solar cell manufacturing. Define incoming acceptance criteria for materials (e.g. silicon wafers, conductive pastes).
  • Address material and process challenges in panel-level packaging while spearheading the development of next-generation dielectric materials to improve packaging performance and scalability.
  • Specify and implement in-process metrology tools for quality control. Design wafer-level test structures to evaluate material/electronic properties. Integrate simulation tools with experimental data to guide and drive targeted improvements via material or process changes.
  • Drive end-to-end material and process R&D programs, from concept through product implementation, to drive cost down, efficiency improvements, and reliability in electronic systems.
  • Collaborate closely with leadership and stakeholders across all departments-including design, reliability, production, and supply chain-to integrate materials innovations into product roadmaps and ensure accountability for operations and reliability.
  • Manage compliance risks related to materials and processes, ensuring safety and environmental compliance with industry standards.
  • Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and project oversight.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, electrical engineering, or an engineering degree.
  • 5+ years of experience in microelectronics device research or manufacturing.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong background in semiconductor device physics with extensive hands-on CVD, PVD and related device fabrication experience; preferred background in photovoltaics.
  • Expertise in electrical device testing methods (IV, CV, Hall effect, TLM) and optical device characterization (ellipsometry, UV-VIS-IR spectroscopy, PL, EL, QSSPC).
  • Proficiency in microscopy and analytical techniques (SEM/EDS, Raman, XRD, AFM, XPS, SIMS, FTIR, DMA, DSC).
  • Proven cross-functional leadership skills, with experience aligning diverse teams to achieve shared technology goals.
  • Strong communication skills for presenting to stakeholders as well as guiding and mentoring junior engineers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise.
  • Comfort occasionally working in tight or confined spaces.

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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