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Solar Performance Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... performance and reliability of hardware destined for space. This role is built for someone who ... Support assembly and build of solar modules, photovoltaic array subassemblies, and related hardware ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels ... Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ...

Starpath

Senior Test Engineer - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $180K/yr

Senior Test Engineer - Space Solar Hardware Position Details Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA ... Starlight manufactures the lowest cost and highest performance space solar ever, which will power ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and ... Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of ...

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Solar Performance Engineer information

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How much do solar performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar performance engineer in California is $59.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.65 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Solar Performance Engineer job?

A Solar Performance Engineer is responsible for analyzing, optimizing, and improving the efficiency of solar energy systems. They assess system performance, identify issues affecting energy output, and provide solutions to enhance overall efficiency. Their role includes monitoring real-time data, conducting site assessments, and collaborating with design and operations teams to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, they may use simulation tools to model energy production and evaluate system upgrades. This position is critical in maximizing the return on investment for solar projects and ensuring long-term reliability.

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

To thrive as a Solar Performance Engineer, you need a background in electrical, mechanical, or renewable energy engineering, with experience in data analysis and solar energy systems design. Proficiency in performance monitoring software, data analytics platforms, and industry-standard tools like PVsyst or SCADA systems is highly valuable, along with relevant certifications such as NABCEP. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication and collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are essential for optimizing solar plant efficiency, ensuring reliable system operations, and facilitating cross-functional teamwork.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Solar Performance Engineer?

Solar Performance Engineers typically monitor and analyze the operational data from solar energy systems to ensure optimal performance and identify issues or inefficiencies. Their day-to-day tasks often include reviewing real-time data, preparing performance reports, investigating underperforming equipment, and working closely with field technicians to implement corrective actions. They may also participate in site visits, conduct root-cause analyses of faults, and collaborate with design and maintenance teams to recommend system improvements. This role requires balancing technical analysis with on-the-ground problem-solving to maximize energy production and support the broader goals of the solar operations team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Performance Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Performance Engineer jobs in California? For Solar Performance Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Solar Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Performance Engineer job openings:
Solar Performance Engineer jobs near you
Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware

Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware

Starpath

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware
Position Details
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Starlight Solar
About Starpath
Starpath develops and manufactures the technologies that will enable humans to live on the Moon and Mars. Today, we are building robotic systems that locally produce the essential commodities a lunar civilization will require at extreme scale: water, power, and oxygen. Our ultimate goal is to build and operate a self-sustaining city on Mars.
The Role
The Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar power to support Starpath's core mission and the greater space economy. Starlight manufactures the lowest cost and highest performance space solar ever, which will power the majority of new satellites built on Earth and all of Starpath's equipment on the Moon and Mars.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as design authority for Starlight Solar products
  • Build the solar engineering org to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding business unit
  • Translate customer needs/product strategy into executable engineering plans
  • Own all technical aspects of solar products - development, reliability, manufacturing, etc.
  • Work cross-functionally with customer-facing business units to ensure excellence in all technical communications
  • Establish a culture of excellence throughout the engineering org from the top down
  • Act as the penultimate approver of all major development, qualification, and manufacturing activities.

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field
  • 10+ years building high-reliability hardware (space preferred)
  • Strong mechanical fundamentals (structures, packaging, materials interactions)
  • Comfortable operating across relevant engineering disciplines
  • Experience with space environmental testing standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, or similar)
  • Clear technical communication and strong engineering judgment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with space solar arrays, deployables, power systems packaging, or similar hardware
  • Startup / small-team environment experience
  • Experience preparing hardware for environmental qualification (TVAC/vibe/radiation planning)
Compensation & Benefits
  • Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
  • Salary base rate is $160-$200k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience. Option for performance based incentives.
  • PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included

EAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity
Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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