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Solar Design Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview: Premier PV is a leading manufacturer of solar electrical balance of systems ... experience; internships or co-op experience acceptable. * Basic proficiency in CAD tools and ...

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Solar Design Internship information

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How much do solar design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar design internship in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Design Intern, and why are they important?

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 are the typical responsibilities of a Solar Design Intern, and how do they contribute to project success?

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 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 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.

More about Solar Design Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Design Internship jobs? Cities with the most Solar Design Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs? The most popular types of Solar Design jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Design Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Design Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Solar Design Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,304 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Equipment Reliability Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

$101K - $128K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 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

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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