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Solar Energy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We believe that solar energy has vast untapped potential to power our lives, fuel economies, and ... A day in the life As Lab Operations Lead at Swift, your mission is to run Swift's R&D facility so ...

We believe that solar energy has vast untapped potential to power our lives, fuel economies, and ... A day in the life As Lab Operations Lead at Swift, your mission is to run Swift's R&D facility so ...

Monitor industry developments within solar, energy storage, and distributed energy markets Marketing Operations & AI Enablement * Leverage AI-powered tools to improve content creation, research ...

Marketing Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$115K/yr

Monitor industry developments within solar, energy storage, and distributed energy markets Marketing Operations & AI Enablement * Leverage AI-powered tools to improve content creation, research ...

Resourcefulness, able to do research on products and code, self starter. * Knowledge of state and local codes as it pertains to Solar Energy. * General architectural, electrical, and structural ...

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Solar Energy Research information

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How much do solar energy research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar energy research in the United States is $39.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.01 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Solar Energy Research job?

A Solar Energy Research job involves studying and developing new technologies to improve solar energy efficiency, storage, and applications. Researchers work on photovoltaic (solar panel) advancements, solar thermal systems, and energy storage solutions. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with engineers and scientists to enhance solar power adoption. The goal is to make solar energy more efficient, cost-effective, and widely accessible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Energy Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Energy Research, candidates typically need a strong background in physics, engineering, or environmental science, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, laboratory instruments, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and data analysis tools is common, and additional certifications like NABCEP can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are highly valued in collaborative research environments. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative solar technologies, conducting experiments, and effectively sharing research outcomes.

What kinds of projects or research topics might someone work on in a Solar Energy Research role?

Professionals in Solar Energy Research often focus on projects such as developing more efficient photovoltaic materials, optimizing solar panel design, improving energy storage solutions, or studying the integration of solar technology with power grids. You may participate in both lab-based experiments and field studies, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, scientists, and data analysts. This role typically involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, publishing findings, and sometimes applying for research grants. The diversity of projects allows for continuous learning and can offer a clear path for career growth into lead researcher or project management positions. As renewable energy technology rapidly evolves, your work will contribute directly to advancing sustainable solutions.

More about Solar Energy Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Energy Research jobs? Cities with the most Solar Energy Research job openings:
What states have the most Solar Energy Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Energy Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Energy Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Energy Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Solar Energy Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,905 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Research & Development - PhD Engineering Intern

Research & Development - PhD Engineering Intern

PPL

Allentown, PA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities - PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy - provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL's companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

The PPL R&D Department is looking for PhD Engineering students from all engineering disciplines to begin in May 2026. We are looking for interns who are passionate about renewable energy, including wind and solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, sustainability, carbon capture and other decarbonization technologies.

Ideal candidates will be based in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or Kentucky and would be interested in the potential of transitioning to full-time employment with PPL upon graduation. During the school year, students will work part time, but during the summer, the position will work on-site and may include travel to work on clean energy R&D projects at numerous locations across PPL Corporation including Allentown, Pennsylvania, Providence, Rhode Island, as well as Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. While traveling, all expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities

  • Plans and controls all activities so as to provide an accident-free work place.

  • Uses engineering and scientific principles to plan projects, collect and analyze data, and create professional reports.

  • Gathers, correlates, and analyzes data using established procedures.

  • Coordinates and communicates results and participation in research projects within applicable business units and prepares summaries of value and results to management.

  • Identifies opportunities for improvement and/or suggests improved methods.

  • Performs detailed and/or engineering assignments involving established calculations, tests and analysis.

  • Performs other duties as directed by management.

Qualifications

Requirements

  • Available part time during the semester and full time during the Summer 2026 semester

  • Pursuing a PhD in Engineering from an ABET Accredited program.

  • Minimum 3.00 GPA

Requirements

  • Available part time during the semester and full time during the Summer 2026 semester

  • Pursuing a PhD in Engineering from an ABET Accredited program.

  • Minimum 3.00 GPA

  • Plans and controls all activities so as to provide an accident-free work place.

  • Uses engineering and scientific principles to plan projects, collect and analyze data, and create professional reports.

  • Gathers, correlates, and analyzes data using established procedures.

  • Coordinates and communicates results and participation in research projects within applicable business units and prepares summaries of value and results to management.

  • Identifies opportunities for improvement and/or suggests improved methods.

  • Performs detailed and/or engineering assignments involving established calculations, tests and analysis.

  • Performs other duties as directed by management.

Remote Work

The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identify, genetic information, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.


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