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Solar Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Muon Space

Solar Manufacturing Lead

San Jose, CA

$144K - $155K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Solar Manufacturing Lead to spearhead the stand-up of our in-house solar module production line. This is a high-impact role where you will bridge the gap between design ...

Muon Space

Solar Manufacturing Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $155K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Solar Manufacturing Lead to spearhead the stand-up of our in-house solar module production line. This is a high-impact role where you will bridge the gap between design ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Support tooling inspection, maintenance, and readiness activities for solar manufacturing operations * Create custom tools and processes to support the manufacturing technologies you create including ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Support tooling inspection, maintenance, and readiness activities for solar manufacturing operations * Create custom tools and processes to support the manufacturing technologies you create including ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Support tooling inspection, maintenance, and readiness activities for solar manufacturing operations * Create custom tools and processes to support the manufacturing technologies you create including ...

Amazon

Solar Manufacturing Engineer, Amazon Leo

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$83K - $106K/yr

The Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer (Process Owner) will provide senior-level manufacturing engineering ownership of solar panel and deploy mechanism assemblies for the Amazon Leo satellite program.

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Solar Manufacturing information

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$19

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How much do solar manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar manufacturing in the United States is $43.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.06 and $59.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Solar Manufacturing, you need a background in engineering or manufacturing, knowledge of photovoltaic technology, and often a relevant technical degree or certification. Familiarity with automated production systems, quality control tools, and industry standards like ISO 9001 is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in optimizing efficiency and maintaining safety. These competencies ensure high-quality solar products, operational excellence, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technological advancements.

What is the difference between Solar Manufacturing vs Solar Panel Installer?

AspectSolar ManufacturingSolar Panel Installer
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, manufacturing trainingInstallation certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentFactories, production linesOn-site at installation locations
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, production plantsConstruction, renewable energy projects

Solar Manufacturing involves producing solar panels in factories, focusing on assembly and quality control. In contrast, Solar Panel Installers set up and connect solar systems at customer sites. Both roles require technical knowledge, but they differ in work environment and daily tasks, with manufacturing centered on production and installation on-site deployment.

What are solar manufacturing jobs?

Solar manufacturing jobs involve the production and assembly of components used in solar energy systems, such as solar panels, cells, inverters, and mounting hardware. Workers in this field may operate machinery, perform quality control, assemble parts, or oversee the production process. These roles are essential for creating the equipment needed to harness solar power and contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector. Solar manufacturing jobs can range from entry-level positions to highly technical engineering and supervisory roles. The industry is rapidly growing due to increased demand for clean energy solutions.

What is solar manufacturing?

Solar manufacturing involves producing solar panels and related components used to convert sunlight into electricity. It includes processes such as silicon wafer production, cell fabrication, and panel assembly, often requiring knowledge of industrial equipment, quality control, and safety standards.

What solar jobs pay the most?

In solar manufacturing, senior roles such as Solar Plant Managers, Project Engineers, and Quality Control Directors tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require specialized skills, experience, and sometimes certifications, and they typically offer higher compensation due to their responsibility levels. Skilled technicians and engineers with expertise in solar panel technology and automation may also earn higher wages.

What is the 20% rule for solar?

The 20% rule in solar manufacturing refers to the guideline that no more than 20% of a solar module's cells should be defective or underperforming to ensure quality and efficiency. This standard helps manufacturers maintain product reliability and meet industry certifications, often requiring quality control and testing during production. Adhering to this rule is important for producing durable, high-performance solar panels.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In the solar manufacturing industry, roles heavily reliant on manual assembly or outdated technology, such as certain manual panel assemblers, are likely to decline due to automation and robotics. Jobs requiring repetitive tasks may be replaced by automated systems, while roles involving specialized skills like quality inspection with advanced sensors will grow. Overall, jobs that do not adapt to technological advancements are at risk of disappearing by 2030.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in solar manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in solar manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining high quality standards during fast-paced production, adapting to rapidly evolving technology, and meeting strict safety regulations. Staying updated with industry certifications and ongoing training can help address technical advancements. Additionally, strong communication within cross-functional teams—such as engineering, quality assurance, and operations—ensures that issues are identified and resolved quickly, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement.
More about Solar Manufacturing jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Manufacturing jobs? Cities with the most Solar Manufacturing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Solar Manufacturing jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Manufacturing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Manufacturing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Manufacturing jobs are:
Solar Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,999 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Solar Manufacturing Lead

Solar Manufacturing Lead

Muon Space

San Jose, CA

$144K - $155K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks a Solar Manufacturing Lead to spearhead the stand-up of our in-house solar module production line. This is a high-impact role where you will bridge the gap between design and production and own the vertical integration of this critical component. 

You will be the primary technical point of contact with external partners and internal engineering resources, responsible for building this capability within our facility. You will execute the lab layout, equipment procurement, and process qualification required to build the high-performance solar arrays that power our spacecraft.

Responsibilities
  • Facility & Line Setup: Lead the end-to-end setup of the solar manufacturing lab, including facility requirements (cleanliness, ESD, climate control), equipment installation, and workstation optimization.
  • Technology Transfer: Act as the primary liaison with partners to leverage external technologies to build our line. Work closely with engineering teams to master and document processes including stringing, lamination, and assembly.
  • Equipment Qualification: Support the procurement and commissioning of production hardware (e.g., laser cutters, laminators, solar simulators/flash testers, etc.)
  • Process Development: Create and maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) optimized for our specific spacecraft requirements.
  • NPI & Scaling: Lead the transition from initial "pathfinder" builds to full-rate flight production. Identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks and yield issues.
  • Quality & Testing: Implement in-line quality controls, including Electroluminescence (EL) testing and flash testing, to ensure every module meets space-grade reliability standards.
  • Vendor Evaluation and Engagement: When required, engage and evaluate tooling vendors and suppliers to secure our supply chain both domestically and internationally.
Qualifications 
  • 5+ years in solar module manufacturing or high-precision electromechanical assembly (semiconductor, medical device, or aerospace).
  • B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Deep familiarity with PV module assembly (stringing, tabbing, encapsulation, and lamination).
  • Demonstrated experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and manufacturing line establishment
  • Exceptional ability to work with external partners/vendors and translate complex technical IP into internal execution.
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Direct experience working with custom terrestrial solar technology or similar high-efficiency space-grade PV modules.
  • Experience with space-environment reliability standards (thermal cycling, vacuum bake-out, and vibration).
  • Knowledge of automation/robotics for solar cell handling.
  • Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks) for tooling and fixture design.
Salary

The salary range for this role is $144,000 - $155,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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