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Solar Cells Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Manager, Production (Solar Cells)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

MANAGER, CHEMICAL PROCESS PRODUCTION (STARLINK) SpaceX is scaling advanced manufacturing to power revolutionary products like Starlink satellites, solar cells, and next-gen semiconductors. Our ...

HX5 LLC

Photovoltaics Researcher

Brook Park, OH · On-site

Experience fabricating and testing solar cells with novel materials including thin film silicon, perovskite solar cells, and III-V's specifically GaAs. * Practical knowledge related to the ...

Starpath

Test Engineer - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Starlight Solar Travel: Occasional About Starpath Starpath develops and manufactures the ... From electrical characterization of individual cells through panel-level environmental testing, you ...

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$11K

$66.3K

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How much do solar cells jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar cells in the United States is $66,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in solar cell manufacturing and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in solar cell manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining high efficiency levels, ensuring consistent product quality, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. These challenges can be addressed by staying up to date with industry advancements, participating in regular training, and collaborating closely with R&D and quality assurance teams. Additionally, implementing robust process controls and fostering a culture of continuous improvement help teams quickly identify issues and optimize production workflows.

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, electrical engineering, and photovoltaic technology, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or Silvaco), laboratory testing equipment, and industry certifications like NABCEP are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient solar cells, ensuring quality, and advancing renewable energy solutions.

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 made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current. Solar cells are commonly used in solar panels for residential, commercial, and industrial applications to produce clean, renewable energy. Their efficiency and cost have improved significantly over the years, making solar energy more accessible and widely adopted.
More about Solar Cells jobs
What states have the most Solar Cells jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Cells jobs include:
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Solar Cells jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Cells job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,250 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
Machine Maintenance Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Machine Maintenance Specialist, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 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

MACHINE MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST, 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 an experienced Machine Maintenance Specialist to provide advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification support for complex solar cell production tools. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ensure equipment reliability while enabling SpaceX's ambitious vision for AI data centers in space. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Provide advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification support for complex solar cell production equipment and tools  
  • Execute preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies targeting >95% availability 
  • Perform rapid root cause analysis and corrective actions on vacuum deposition, chemical processing, firing, printing, and diffusion systems 
  • Assist in spare parts inventory management and vendor coordination on shifts, optimizing costs 
  • Drive OEE improvements and support factory scaling through hands-on technical initiatives 
  • Ensure safety protocols, cleanroom standards, and regulatory compliance during maintenance activities 
  • Support the development of training materials for team members on equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and process procedures 
  • Train and mentor junior team members on equipment maintenance, safety, and best practices 
  • Collaborate with team members to foster technical excellence, accountability, and innovation on the maintenance floor 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • 4+ years of experience in industrial/machine maintenance 
  • 3+ years of experience maintaining complex manufacturing equipment in a high-volume environment 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Associate's degree or equivalent technical certification 
  • Prior hands-on experience with semiconductor, solar, or advanced manufacturing equipment maintenance 
  • Experience troubleshooting and repairing automation and control systems on complex production equipment, including PLC logic, HMIs, sensors, actuators, servo drives, and interlocks 
  • Ability to rapidly diagnose faults, implement corrective actions, and restore equipment to full operation while minimizing downtime in a high-volume manufacturing environment 
  • Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and data analytics for reliability 
  • Familiarity with lean, TPM, Six Sigma, cleanroom protocols, and pyrophoric gas handling 
  • Experience scaling maintenance in fast-paced manufacturing environments 

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 for one of the following AWS shifts (start and end times are approximate):
    • A Shift - 5:00am-5:00pm, Sunday-Wednesday
    • B Shift - 5:00am-5:00pm, Wednesday-Saturday 

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