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Solar Cell Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qcells

Production Engineer (Cell)

White, GA

Description SUMMARY The Cell Production Team controls plant production and supervises the manufacturing operation of solar cell production. The Production Engineers (Front-end or Back-end focus) will ...

Qcells

Production Engineer (Cell)

Cartersville, GA · On-site

Description SUMMARY The Cell Production Team controls plant production and supervises the manufacturing operation of solar cell production. The Production Engineers (Front-end or Back-end focus) will ...

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All JobsSolar Cell Jobs

Solar Cell information

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$36.5K

$78K

$116K

How much do solar cell jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar cell 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 as a Solar Cell Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Cell Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, physics, electrical engineering, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with photovoltaic simulation software, semiconductor fabrication tools, and industry standards such as IEC or UL certifications is often required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are vital soft skills for innovating and improving solar cell technology. These skills and qualities are essential for advancing efficient, reliable solar energy solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in solar cell research and development?

Professionals in solar cell research and development often face the challenge of balancing efficiency improvements with cost-effectiveness and scalability. Keeping up with rapid technological advancements and integrating new materials or processes can be demanding. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as engineers, material scientists, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to move innovations from the lab to large-scale production. Additionally, navigating strict safety and environmental regulations is a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Solar Cell vs Solar Panel Installer?

AspectSolar CellSolar Panel Installer
Primary RoleIndividual component that converts sunlight into electricityProfessionally installs solar panels and systems
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials; knowledge of solar technologyCertifications like NABCEP, safety training required
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, research labs, or assemblyConstruction sites, rooftops, outdoor locations
Industry UsageComponent within solar energy systemsInstallation and maintenance of solar energy systems

While a solar cell is a fundamental component that converts sunlight into electricity, a solar panel installer is a professional who installs these components into complete solar energy systems. Understanding the difference helps clarify roles in the solar industry, from manufacturing to installation.

What are solar cells?

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. They are typically made from semiconductor materials like silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current. Solar cells are the building blocks of solar panels, which are widely used for renewable energy generation in homes, businesses, and utility-scale power plants. Their efficiency and affordability have improved significantly over the years, making solar energy an increasingly popular and sustainable power source.
More about Solar Cell jobs
What states have the most Solar Cell jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Cell jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Cell jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Cell jobs are:
Solar Cell jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Cell job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,000 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Sr. Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

Sr. Water Treatment Engineer, Solar Cell Factory (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SR. WATER TREATMENT ENGINEER, 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 a best-in-class Water Treatment Engineer to drive design, commissioning, build, and operations of ultrapure water and wastewater systems. This high-impact role will help shape process strategies from the ground up while enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space.  

As a Sr. 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 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 of satellites 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
  • 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment or with fluids/mechanical/electromechanical design and analysis (internship or project team experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 7+ 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

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