ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Solar Performance Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Starpath

Test Engineer - Space Solar Hardware

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Starlight manufactures the lowest cost and highest performance space solar ever, which will power ... As Test Engineer, you will be responsible for validating the performance of our solar products in a ...

Cal Solar Inc

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Design Engineer Supervisor:Engineering Manager Classification:Full -time, exempt Location: San ... and performance. Cal Solar, Inc is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSolar Performance Engineer JobsSolar Performance Engineer Jobs in California

Solar Performance Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$59

$96

How much do solar performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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.
More about Solar Performance Engineer jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Solar Performance Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
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
Infographic showing various Solar Performance Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,381 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Senior Solar Manufacturing Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

The Role 

You will lead the transformation of solar array designs into reliable, flight-ready hardware at scale. Deeply embedded in the build of solar modules and photovoltaic arrays, you'll operate at the center of production to drive process development, solve complex manufacturing challenges, and ensure hardware is built with precision, repeatability, and speed. 

You'll own critical manufacturing processes end-to-end, from early design engagement through production ramp and sustained operations. This role is built for someone who combines strong technical judgement with a bias for action. Your impact will extend beyond individual builds, shaping the foundation of manufacturing systems designed to deliver high-performance solar hardware, reliability and at scale, for mission pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space.  

Responsibilities 

  • Own manufacturing processes for solar modules, photovoltaic array integration, and associated mechanical structures from development through production 
  • Develop, qualify, and maintain assembly procedures, tooling requirements, and build sequences that make flawless execution repeatable at scale 
  • Drive design-for-manufacturing feedback into array and module designs in partnership with the Solar Design team, identifying producibility risks early in the design cycle 
  • Lead root cause investigation and corrective action on build escapes, non-conformances, and process failures 
  • Support sourcing and qualification of manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and tooling; manage vendor relationships to ensure on-spec delivery 
  • Mentor and technically guide Manufacturing Engineering team members 
  • Represent manufacturing engineering in design reviews and build readiness reviews 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or other relevant engineering discipline 
  • 5+ years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering environment 
  • Experience working with photovoltaic modules, solar cells, or electromechanical array assemblies 
  • Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end manufacturing processes in high-rate environments, including process documentation, tooling, and build execution 
  • Track record of driving DFM improvements that tangibly reduced cost, cycle time, or defect rate 
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and comfortable engaging Design, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to resolve issues and close builds 

Nice to Have 

  • Hands-on background in high-volume or automated solar manufacturing environments 
  • Experience ramping a production line from pilot builds to sustained production rate 
  • Experience in space, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments with rigorous acceptance test requirements 
  • Experience working closely with technicians and build tooling 
  • Familiarity with CAD software (NX or equivalent) and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $175,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

View All K2 Space Jobs

Apply