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Solar Cells Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Solar Arrays Engineer l

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Develop and qualify processes for welding, adhesion, lamination of solar cells * Test and qualify designs to AIAA S112 standards * Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures ...

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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How much do solar cells jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 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.
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Solar Cells jobs near you
Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

$101K - $128K/yr

Other

Posted 29 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

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 

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