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Solar Physicist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, Physics ...

Controls Engineer I

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Contribute to the development of new control systems for solar tracker products. * Implement new ... Bachelor'sdegreeorhigherinEngineering,Physics,orotherNaturalSciencesrequired. * Exposure to or ...

Process Technician I

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology, Materials Science, Physics, Semiconductor Technology, or related field * Experience in a high-volume, automated, or electronics/solar ...

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology, Materials Science, Physics, Semiconductor Technology, or related field * Experience in a high-volume, automated, or electronics/solar ...

Product Lab Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or other relevant ...

Product Lab Engineer

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or other relevant ...

S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or other relevant ...

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering technology, Materials Science, Physics, Semiconductor Technology, or related field * Experience in a high-volume, automated, or electronics/solar ...

Key Account Manager II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of our vacuum-based processes ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Required ...

Key Account Manager II

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$90K - $120K/yr

... solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of our vacuum-based processes ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Required ...

... solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of our vacuum-based processes ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline. * Required ...

... solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state's largest and longest ... Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Math, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil ...

Astronomy Tutor

Chandler, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the expanding universe. Ability to explain ... Emphasizes quantitative reasoning about cosmic scales and connects astronomy to physics ...

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Solar Physicist information

See Arizona salary details

$36.8K

$88.3K

$211.1K

How much do solar physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar physicist in Arizona is $88,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical research projects or collaborations that a solar physicist might be involved in?

Solar Physicists often work on projects studying solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, using data from space-based observatories and ground telescopes. Collaboration is common, both within interdisciplinary research teams and with international space agencies like NASA or ESA. Many roles involve coordinating with engineers, data scientists, and other physicists to analyze large datasets and develop models that predict solar activity. These projects contribute to our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth, making teamwork and communication skills essential in this field.

What is the difference between Solar Physicist vs Solar Engineer?

AspectSolar PhysicistSolar Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, often PhD, specialized in solar phenomenaEngineering degree, often Bachelor's or Master's, focused on solar technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, observatories, academic institutionsSolar power plants, manufacturing facilities, project sites
Industry UsageStudying solar activity, solar physics researchDesigning and implementing solar energy systems

Solar Physicists focus on understanding the sun's physical properties and solar phenomena through research, often working in labs or academic settings. Solar Engineers, on the other hand, design and develop solar energy systems for practical use in renewable energy projects. While both roles require knowledge of solar science, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What is a solar physicist?

A Solar Physicist is a scientist who studies the Sun, including its structure, behavior, and impact on the solar system. They use both ground-based and space-based observatories to analyze solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and the solar wind. Solar Physicists contribute to our understanding of how solar activity affects space weather, which can impact satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth. Their research is crucial for predicting solar storms and mitigating their effects on technology and human activities.

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

To thrive as a Solar Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, typically supported by a Ph.D. in astrophysics or a related field. Proficiency with data analysis software, programming languages like Python or IDL, and familiarity with solar observation instruments is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear scientific communication set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies enable effective research, accurate data interpretation, and the advancement of our understanding of solar phenomena.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Solar Physicist jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Solar Physicist job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Physicist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,347 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Solar Cell Manufacturing Manager

Solestial, Inc.

Tempe, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

The Company:

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.

The Role:

As a Cell Manufacturing Manager you will lead the team responsible for production of solar cells at Solestial. You will be accountable for daily operations, meeting production goals, maintaining product quality and ensuring a safe and professional work environment. Your team will be comprised of 3-15 engineers and technicians and your daily duties will include scheduling & running production lots, leading process improvements related to scaling production, managing inventory movement, procurement of essential materials, technician training and development. You will work in direct collaboration with manufacturing process engineers who are focused on process improvements to the production process, yield improvements, and new tool introduction.  This collaboration will support transforming processes and product from the R&D teams to the production teams. As the company continues to grow and starts the transition to a new, automated, high volume manufacturing line, you will transition to leading a team of 10-50 running mass production of solar cells.

Specific Responsibilities to Include:
  • Run baseline recipes for pilot production lots
  • Optimize process steps to minimize yield loss
  • Partner with process engineers to maintain equipment performance
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
  • Transition processes to large-scale production tools
  • Coordinate with material vendors to support production schedules
  • Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities
  • Train technicians and future tool operators
  • Uphold safety standards and proactively prevent incidents
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment
  • Develop a strong understanding of end-to-end solar cell and module processes and design features
  • Work in collaboration with other process leads to achieve required performance specifications (efficiency, cost, reliability)
Your Background:
  • Bachelor degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related fields.
  • 10+ years proven experience in engineering roles, with a strong technical background.
  • 3+ years of management experience.
  • Ability to work in a class 10,000 clean room environment.
  • Ability to conduct PV cell & module processing wearing the necessary PPE.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong analytical skills, basic data analysis and presentation, clear communication.
  • Good mentoring and communications skills.
  • Team player.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Previous experience with photovoltaic solar modules or flexible circuits (R&D, manufacturing, reliability) is a strong plus.
Other Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation - we want you to grow with us
  • Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
  • 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
  • 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
  • Your work will literally go to space!
This is an exciting position as part of a positive, supportive, and passionate team! A competitive compensation package, including equity and full benefits (see below), will be offered.
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