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Solar Engineering Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, SOLAR (STARLINK) SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet ... You will own the relationship between the engineering development and production teams. The success ...

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, SOLAR (STARLINK) SpaceX is developing a low latency, broadband internet ... You will own the relationship between the engineering development and production teams. The success ...

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Solar Engineering information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$21

$55

$111

How much do solar engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar engineering in Seattle, WA is $55.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $62.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is solar engineering?

Solar engineering is a field of engineering focused on designing, developing, and implementing systems that harness energy from the sun. This can involve photovoltaic solar panels, solar thermal systems, and other technologies that convert sunlight into usable energy. Solar engineers work on projects ranging from residential rooftop installations to large-scale solar farms, ensuring systems are efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly. The field combines knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and environmental engineering to create sustainable energy solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, renewable energy principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with photovoltaic (PV) system design software, CAD tools, and industry certifications like NABCEP are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you excel in team environments and client interactions. These competencies are essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and compliant solar energy solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are some common challenges faced by solar engineers during project implementation?

Solar engineers often encounter challenges such as site assessment difficulties, unexpected weather conditions, and ensuring regulatory compliance during project implementation. Coordinating with construction teams, managing supply chain logistics for specialized solar components, and adapting designs to meet local environmental constraints are also frequent hurdles. Effective communication, thorough planning, and staying updated on industry standards can help address these challenges and ensure successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Solar Engineering vs Solar Design?

AspectSolar EngineeringSolar Design
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, PE license often preferredTechnical training, certification in design software
Work EnvironmentDesigning systems, analyzing technical specs, project planningCreating layouts, selecting components, drafting plans
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, solar project developersDesign firms, installation companies
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on technical engineering aspectsFocus on layout and system design

Solar Engineering involves technical analysis, system design, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards, often requiring an engineering degree and licensure. Solar Design focuses on creating detailed layouts, selecting components, and drafting plans for installation, typically requiring technical training and design software skills. Both roles are essential in solar projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are solar engineers in demand?

Solar engineers are in high demand due to the growth of renewable energy projects and increasing investments in solar power infrastructure. They typically require knowledge of photovoltaic systems, electrical engineering, and relevant certifications, and often work in engineering firms, construction, or energy companies.

What do you do as a solar engineer?

A solar engineer designs, develops, and tests solar energy systems, including photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors. They analyze site conditions, create system layouts, and ensure compliance with safety and efficiency standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work supports the installation and optimization of solar power projects in various environments.
Infographic showing various Solar Engineering job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,855 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Solar - (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION ENGINEER, SOLAR - (STARLINK) 

Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers and the software that brings it all together.
As a member of the Starlink Solar Automation Team you will work with a cross-disciplinary team of engineers developing the next generation Starlink solar array and the production system that will create it.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, build, qualify and implement projects spanning machine design, robotics and manufacturing processes from initial ideation to production use. 
  • Architect, write, and debug PLC code.
  • Implement vision systems for robotic guidance, quality control and data collection.
  • Design systems to control processes, track factory performance and collaborate across teams to increase manufacturing efficiency in a data driven way.
  • Design user interfaces that make complex machines easy to use and troubleshoot.
  • Create electrical, pneumatic and fluid schematics for control panels.
  • Keep our factories safe by implementing ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA compliant systems.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering or another STEM field.
  • 1+ years' experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for manufacturing (internships/co-ops can apply).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Hands on experience with at least one of the specific disciplines below and interest in learning the other areas you are not yet strong in:

Industrial Automation:

  • Automation Hardware: PLC's, COTS Robots, servo motion, machine vision, distributed IO, pneumatic controls, etc.
  • Field Bus Networking protocols: EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, etc.
  • Machinery and processes: dispenser, pick and place, fastener installation, automated bonding, thermo-compression, soldering, ultrasonic welding, temperature & position control, injection molders, die casters, etc. and design for manufacturing.
  • Applied Statistical Process Control and other data tools (descriptive, inferential, regression, correlation) to improve manufacturing processes.
  • Safely testing and commissioning integrated systems

Software: 

  • PLC programming, preferably Beckhoff TwinCAT structured text, state machines, applying Object Oriented Programming to mechanical assemblies, electrical systems, sensors, pneumatics/hydraulics, etc.
  • Robotics programming, preferably ABB Rapid.
  • HMI, SCADA, IoT (MQTT, OPC-UA), SQL, C#, .NET, Python.
  • Industrial machine vision, Cognex Vision Pro preferred, Halcon & OpenCV acceptable.

Electrical: 

  • Electrical sizing of motors, cables, circuit protection, VFD's, motor starters, various other motion systems.
  • Design of fail-safe electrical circuits using both safety logic controllers and safety-rated relays. 
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems using tools like multimeters, oscilloscopes, EMI probes.
  • Proficiency in understanding and creating electrical schematics and single line diagrams (EPLAN preferred).
  • Analog signal integrity and EMI reduction.
  • Hands-on experience designing and commissioning high quality electrical panels and electro-mechanical systems with appropriate safety considerations in mind.
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL508A codes with ability to ensure compliance with control system safety standards.
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems with simple solutions and little supervision.
  • Excited by a fast-paced environment, strong desire and ability to learn quickly and adapt.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission critical deadlines.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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