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Solar Performance Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle ... Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization and modelling across ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/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

Principal Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/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 ...

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How much do solar performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar performance engineer, 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,381 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Principal Solar Design Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Role 

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires someone who can span technical domains from module technology and electrical power system interactions to soft goods, deployment mechanisms, structures, integration, and high-rate production. 

You will define how K2 develops, designs, manufactures, tests, and deploys high-power solar arrays at production scale. The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are pursuing demand meaningful innovation. You will have the resources and full support of K2 to make this possible and help raise the bar for the next generation of space technology companies. 

Responsibilities 

  • Delivery of the solar array electrical and mechanical architecture, system design, and lifecycle performance margins. 
  • Development of the electrical system performance degradation characterization and modelling across environment variations 
  • Definition and execution of assembly level acceptance and qualification testing. 
  • Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams to define solar system requirements, integrated system qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit operations/data review 
  • Lead design reviews, continually own system deliverables, and drive development schedules with accurate projections looking 12+ months ahead in development timeline 
  • Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables 
  • Responsible for the evaluation and selection of manufacturing equipment for specialty processes 
  • Partner with production to develop work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests that ensure successful builds 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field  
  • 8+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications 

Nice to Have 

  • Experience architecting solar array systems for space applications; including initial requirement definition, development testing, design, manufacturing, qualification, and analysis of flight data.  
  • Background working on multiple solar array systems with variations in cell, module, and system architecture technologies for high-power long-life space applications.  
  • Experience with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-4005 for the design and qualification of solar modules, moving mechanism assemblies, and spacecraft charging effects. 
  • Experience designing solar arrays for resilience to exposure to radiation environments. 
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations 
  • Demonstrated understanding of high voltage solar array degradation analysis and failure modes. 
  • Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines 

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary and level 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 
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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

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