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Solar Inspection Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Lightsource

Solar Asset Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

... inspections, and NERC or environmental compliance as applicable. General & Strategic ... Who we're looking for Knowledge • Understanding of utility-scale solar PV systems, including ...

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All JobsSolar Inspection JobsSolar Inspection Jobs in Austin, TX

Solar Inspection information

See Austin, TX salary details

$29.2K

$59.8K

$88.7K

How much do solar inspection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar inspection in Austin, TX is $59,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $69,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is working in solar inspection a good career?

Solar inspection is a growing field that involves assessing solar panel systems for quality, safety, and performance. It often requires knowledge of electrical systems, certifications such as NABCEP, and the ability to work outdoors, with job prospects improving as solar energy adoption increases.

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

To thrive as a Solar Inspector, you need a solid understanding of photovoltaic (PV) systems, electrical codes, and construction standards, usually backed by relevant technical training or certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, PV system monitoring software, and knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors accurately assess installations and report findings. These skills are crucial to ensure solar systems are installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in solar inspection roles, and how can they be addressed?

Solar inspection professionals often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards, and accurately identifying subtle defects in photovoltaic systems. To address these challenges, inspectors should stay updated with the latest codes and best practices, use reliable testing equipment, and collaborate closely with installation teams to resolve issues promptly. Ongoing training and clear communication are key to maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency in this dynamic field.

What is a solar inspection?

A solar inspection is a thorough evaluation of a solar energy system to ensure it is installed correctly, operating safely, and performing efficiently. Inspectors typically check the condition of solar panels, wiring, inverters, mounting systems, and other components. They look for potential safety hazards, code compliance, and signs of wear or damage. Solar inspections are important for both new installations and ongoing maintenance to maximize the system’s lifespan and energy output.

What is the difference between Solar Inspection vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar InspectionSolar Installer
CertificationsPV or solar-specific certifications, safety trainingElectrical or solar installation certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentInspecting solar systems on rooftops or sites, often outdoorsInstalling solar panels, wiring, and mounting systems on-site
Job FocusAssessing system quality, safety, and complianceAssembling, installing, and connecting solar equipment
Industry UsageUsed during project completion and maintenance phasesActive during system installation and setup

While both roles involve working with solar systems, Solar Inspection focuses on evaluating and ensuring the quality and safety of installed systems, often after installation. Solar Installers are responsible for the physical setup and installation of solar panels and related equipment. Both roles require safety certifications and industry knowledge, but their primary tasks differ significantly.

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Solar Inspection jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Solar Inspection job openings:
Solar Inspection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Inspection job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,815 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

PVD Process Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted yesterday

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 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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About SpaceX

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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

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