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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 ...

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How much do solar cells jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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.

Is working in solar cells a good career?

Working in solar cells involves designing, manufacturing, or installing photovoltaic systems, and offers opportunities in renewable energy industries. The field is growing due to increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and often requires technical skills, certifications, and safety training. It can provide stable employment with potential for advancement as the industry expands.

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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Infographic showing various Solar Cells job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,250 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Sr. Screen Printing Equipment Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 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. SCREEN PRINTING EQUIPMENT ENGINEER, SOLAR CELLS (STARLINK)
Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to those that need it most. We design, build, and launch the world's largest and most advanced satellite constellation that is capable of delivering high-speed internet to even the most remote locations.
As a Sr. Screen Printing Equipment Engineer, you will own the screen printing and related metallization equipment used to manufacture silicon heterojunction solar cells at massive scale. You will work closely with our existing Metallization/Screen Printing Process Engineering team to ensure world-class equipment performance, reliability, and uptime. While the process team focuses on paste properties, contact formation, and cell efficiency, you will be the hardware owner responsible for tool availability, stability, and scaling to support our ambitious goals.
Your work will form the backbone of the Starlink network (photons of sunlight in is directly proportional to photons of data out to customers!) and help provide internet to tens of millions of customers all around the world. You will spearhead state of the art production equipment for an internal solar cell production line, providing high efficiency and high-quality solar cells for both our latest generation Starlink satellites and for Starship missions to the Moon and Mars.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with facilities and process engineering teams to install, qualify, maintain, and continuously improve high-throughput screen printing equipment for heterojunction silicon solar cell manufacturing
  • Drive equipment reliability and uptime to support very large volume production with minimal downtime. Run experiments and analyze data to improve capacity (UPH), reduce tool-to-tool variation, and improve defect performance
  • Develop and execute robust preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, spare parts programs, and tool matching protocols for high-volume manufacturing
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions on all equipment-related issues, including print heads, squeegee systems, alignment/vision systems, conveyors, drying ovens, paste delivery, and automation
  • Partner closely with Process Engineers to implement new process requirements on existing and future equipment platforms
  • Evaluate and select next-generation high-throughput screen printing tools capable of supporting 1GW+ per tool scale production
  • Work with vendors on equipment design improvements, upgrades, and custom solutions tailored to heterojunction solar cell requirements
  • Establish equipment performance metrics (OEE, MTBF, MTTR) and implement statistical process control for hardware stability
  • Ensure all equipment meets cleanroom, safety, and high-reliability manufacturing standards
  • Analyze production processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach
  • Attend meetings to communicate factory state to leadership with respect to the team's equipment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience owning and maintaining screen printing or metallization equipment in a high-volume semiconductor, solar manufacturing, or related environment
  • Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals and materials safely (pastes, solvents, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 7+ years of hands-on experience owning and maintaining screen printing equipment in a high-volume semiconductor or solar manufacturing environment
  • Strong technical expertise in screen printing systems, vision/alignment, paste handling, drying/curing ovens, conveyors, and automation hardware
  • Demonstrated success improving equipment uptime and reliability in a 24/7 high-volume production setting
  • Experience with heterojunction (HJT) silicon solar cell manufacturing equipment
  • Previous work at high-volume solar, semiconductor, or display manufacturing facilities (multi-GW or 300mm fab experience is a plus)
  • Deep knowledge of screen printing tool architecture and subsystems
  • Experience with screen tensioning, squeegee pressure control, print registration, paste rheology handling, and dryer temperature profiling
  • Experience with electro-pneumatic robot and transfer module systems
  • Experience with paste delivery systems and solvent handling
  • Experience scaling equipment from pilot to very high volume production
  • Proficiency with statistical tools (JMP, Minitab), failure analysis techniques, and reliability engineering principles
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to drive complex equipment installations and qualifications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support production and urgent equipment downtime situations
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs unassisted, work in cleanroom environments, and move between multiple production areas
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to vendor sites (up to 20%)

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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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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