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Solar Development Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Momentum Solar

Field Marketing Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Experience creating systems that drive new agent development. * Experience growing and scaling teams. * Understanding of recruiting best practices. Momentum Solar is an equal opportunity employer.

Momentum Solar

Field Marketing Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Experience creating systems that drive new agent development. * Experience growing and scaling teams. * Understanding of recruiting best practices. Momentum Solar is an equal opportunity employer.

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All JobsSolar Development JobsSolar Development Jobs in Austin, TX

Solar Development information

See Austin, TX salary details

$44.1K

$77.9K

$111.5K

How much do solar development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development in Austin, TX is $77,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $91,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Solar Development, you need expertise in project management, renewable energy systems, permitting processes, and often a degree in engineering or environmental science. Familiarity with GIS software, project finance modeling tools, and knowledge of regulatory compliance are typically required, along with certifications like NABCEP being advantageous. Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals build partnerships and navigate complex project challenges. These competencies ensure projects are completed efficiently, legally compliant, and financially viable in a competitive renewable energy market.

What is the difference between Solar Development vs Solar Engineering?

AspectSolar DevelopmentSolar Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in environmental, civil, or related fields; often some project management experienceBachelor's or higher in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering; professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, client meetings, site assessmentsDesign offices, project sites, technical analysis labs
Employer & Industry UsageDevelopers, project management firms, renewable energy companiesEngineering firms, consulting companies, manufacturing firms

Solar Development focuses on project planning, permitting, and securing funding for solar projects, while Solar Engineering involves designing, analyzing, and optimizing solar systems. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in their focus and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in solar development projects?

Professionals in solar development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex permitting processes, securing land agreements, and managing project timelines that depend on multiple stakeholders. Coordinating with utility companies, local governments, and community members requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, adapting to changing regulations and market conditions is essential for successful project delivery, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving key attributes for this role.

What is solar development?

Solar development refers to the process of planning, designing, and constructing solar energy projects, such as solar farms or rooftop installations. This includes site selection, securing permits, arranging financing, and coordinating the installation of solar panels and related infrastructure. Solar developers work with landowners, utility companies, and government agencies to bring renewable energy projects from concept to operation. The goal is to generate clean electricity from sunlight, contributing to a more sustainable energy grid.
What are popular job titles related to Solar Development jobs in Austin, TX? For Solar Development jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Development jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Development jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Solar Development jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Solar Development job openings:
Solar Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Development job openings in Austin, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,936 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
PVD Process Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

PVD Process Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

Other

Posted 3 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 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.
PVD PROCESS 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 PVD Process Engineer for our solar cell factory, you will spearhead state of the art production processes 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. You will work through the life cycle of setting up a greenfield solar cell production plant, including equipment procurement, plant design/layout, equipment commissioning and ramp-up, recipe and process development, and working to develop a world-class production team and environment.
As a PVD Process Engineer, you will own the development, optimization, and scaling of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes critical for depositing transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers, such as ITO, and other thin films essential to high-efficiency SHJ cell performance. You will develop and iterate on the manufacturing processes and recipes to achieve a state-of-the-art silicon cell efficiency, low defect rate and cost, and high reliability cell for space-based applications. 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, qualify, and optimize PVD sputtering processes (e.g., DC/RF magnetron sputtering) for SHJ front and back contacts, ensuring uniformity, adhesion, resistivity, and optical transmission at GW-scale volumes
  • Lead process development for new toolsets and materials, including target management, deposition rate optimization, and defect reduction to support state-of-the-art efficiency cells
  • Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining new and/or improved manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities
  • Analyze production processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach
  • Develop experiments to diagnose and correct manufacturing problems, utilizing robust DOE and statistical methodologies
  • Optimize process conditions and materials to improve the optical and electrical quality of solar cells
  • Perform defect characterization and analysis to determine root cause and develop action plans to improve yields
  • Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines
  • Own and perform machine activation and testing with a small team of engineers and technicians
  • Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews, and demonstrate extreme ownership of the production outcome of the Starlink solar factory across yield, uptime, and cost

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience in chemical engineering design, analysis, and/or system implementation (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental, or other STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in PVD process engineering, preferably in thin-film solar (SHJ, PERC, or CIGS), semiconductor, or display manufacturing
  • Proven track record of scaling PVD processes to high-volume production (>1GW/year equivalent)
  • Strong understanding of vacuum systems, plasma physics, sputtering dynamics, and thin-film characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, Hall effect)
  • Experience with SPC, DoE, and lean manufacturing principles
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.
  • Hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical based production systems in a professional setting
  • Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and scaling to high volume as part of a cross-functional team
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
  • Experience with solar cell manufacturing equipment, such as wet chemical processing equipment, PE-CVD equipment, PVD machines, metallization and final test equipment, and wafer inspection equipment (experience in evaporation tools and ALD tools are a plus)
  • Experience or expertise with perovskite solar cells or perovskite tandem solar cells
  • Experience with micro-structure analysis tools (SEM, TEM, EDX, SIMS, etc.) and optical/electrical characterization tools (UV-VIS, I-V, Resistance, etc.)
  • Expertise in SHJ-specific PVD processes, including low-temperature ITO deposition for bifacial cells
  • Familiarity with advanced PVD tools and automation/integration for inline production
  • Proficiency in data analysis/scripting (Python, R, SQL) and simulation tools (e.g., SIMTRA for sputtering).
  • Experience in cost-of-ownership modeling, CapEx justification, and fab ramp-ups to multi-GW scales
  • Passion for sustainable energy and space technology; prior work in photovoltaics at GW-scale a plus

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startup
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    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

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