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Solar Design Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site +1

  • Retirement

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers or interns. Minimum Qualifications

Automation Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers or interns. Minimum Qualifications

Mechanical Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Woodland, CA

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Davis, CA

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Woodland, CA

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Mechanical Engineer

Davis, CA

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a ... internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation ...

Manufacturing Engineer - Space

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

... space solar hardware. This role will focus on process development, tooling design, automation ... production engineering (internship and academic project experience considered) Preferred ...

Showing results 21-40

Solar Design Internship information

What is a solar design internship?

A Solar Design Internship is an entry-level position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in the planning and designing of solar energy systems. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers or designers to assist with site assessments, create layout plans using design software, and help prepare technical documentation. This role helps interns develop practical skills in renewable energy technology, project management, and industry-standard tools. Such internships are valuable for building a foundation in the fast-growing solar energy sector and can lead to full-time opportunities in the field.

What are the typical responsibilities of a solar design intern?

As a Solar Design Intern, you'll typically assist in creating and reviewing solar system layouts, performing site assessments, and preparing technical documentation using design software such as AutoCAD or PVsyst. You may also support senior engineers by gathering data, conducting shading analyses, and helping with permitting processes. Your work ensures designs are both efficient and compliant with regulations, directly contributing to the timely and successful execution of solar projects. This collaborative environment offers valuable exposure to engineering best practices and the renewable energy industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar design intern?

To thrive as a Solar Design Intern, you need a basic understanding of renewable energy systems, electrical engineering concepts, and proficiency in drafting or design, often supported by enrollment in a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, and Microsoft Office, as well as knowledge of solar modeling tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns excel in collaborating with teams and solving practical design challenges. These skills are crucial for creating accurate solar project plans that meet client needs and comply with industry standards.

What is the difference between Solar Design Internship vs Solar Design Engineer?

AspectSolar Design InternshipSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, architecture, or related fieldBachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, architecture, or related field; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in renewable energy companies or engineering firmsFull-time professional role, often in design teams or project management
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design calculations, site assessments, and learning project workflowsCreating detailed solar system designs, performing site analysis, and overseeing project implementation

The Solar Design Internship provides hands-on learning experience for students or recent graduates, focusing on assisting with design tasks. In contrast, the Solar Design Engineer is a full-time role requiring more experience and responsibility in designing and managing solar projects. Both roles are essential in the solar industry, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Solar Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Solar Design Internship jobs in California?

For Solar Design Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Solar Design Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Solar Design Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Design Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Intern/Associate Engineer - All Roles

Starpath

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Intern & Associate Engineers
Position Details
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Employment Type: Internship
Department: Engineering
Travel: Occasional
Application Type: Rolling / Ongoing
About Starpath
Starpath develops and manufactures the technologies that will enable humans to live on the Moon and Mars. Today, we are building robotic systems that locally produce the essential commodities a lunar civilization will require at extreme scale: water, power, and oxygen. Our ultimate goal is to build and operate a self-sustaining city on Mars.
The Role
We hire early-career engineers on a rolling basis throughout the year - both Interns (currently enrolled students) and Associates (recent graduates or Master's students). Applications are reviewed continuously; strong candidates are moved to screens as opportunities open across our teams. Whether you're joining us for a summer, a semester, or the start of your career, you'll work on real hardware alongside senior engineers, with real ownership from day one.
We hire across all of Starpath's programs - space solar, lunar surface infrastructure, and manufacturing operations - and across mechanical, chemistry, materials, electrical, software, manufacturing, and test disciplines. When you apply, tell us which program and discipline best match your background and interests.
Responsibilities
  • Own a scoped project as a contributing member of a discipline team - design, analysis, test, manufacturing, or process development
  • Ramp on Starpath's engineering process, tools, and technical stack under the mentorship of senior engineers
  • Contribute to design reviews, test campaigns, and manufacturing improvements
  • Present your work internally and, for interns, at the end of your internship
  • Take on progressively harder problems as you build depth
  • Ask hard questions and push back when something doesn't make sense

Required Qualifications
  • For Interns: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, or a related discipline. Must be a rising junior or senior at the time of the internship and returning to school at the end of the internship to continue academic studies for at least one quarter/semester
  • For Associates: Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, or a related discipline; 0-2 years of full-time experience (internships and academic research applicable)
  • Collegiate project team or laboratory experience (e.g., Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Aero Design, Rocketry / IREC / Spaceport America Cup, Solar Car, Robotics (FRC/VEX), CubeSat/small satellite teams, or comparable)
  • CAD skills (any platform) and ability to make high quality engineering drawings, or equivalent discipline-specific hands-on tool proficiency
  • Demonstrated hands-on fabrication, laboratory, or build skills
  • High competence with, and fluid use of, engineering first principles in your discipline
  • U.S. Person status is required, as this position needs to access export-controlled data

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior internship experience and/or leadership on a collegiate project team or research laboratory
  • Depth in a specific discipline through research, senior projects, or industry work
  • Experience with industry-standard tools in your discipline (e.g., NX/Teamcenter, SolidWorks, or Onshape for mechanical; FEA/CFD for analysis; wet chemistry and characterization for materials; embedded C for controls software)
  • Ability to integrate across disciplines - mechanical, electrical, software, or chemistry
  • Experience with machining, sheet metal, 3D printing, laser cutting, PCB assembly, or comparable fabrication skills
  • Coursework or research in areas relevant to space, chemistry, materials, robotics, or manufacturing

Compensation & Benefits
  • Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
  • Competitive salary, compensation scales with candidate experience and level (Intern or Associate)
  • Subsidized meals in-office

EAR 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.

Equal Opportunity
Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.