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Solar Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and ... Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering ...

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and ... Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV USA

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$99K - $140K/yr

Serve as a senior technical contributor with First Solar's Perovskite pilot line department focusing on Perovskite photovoltaic device physics-based root cause and failure analysis. * Support ...

Euclid Power

Project Engineer - Solar Yield

$135K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Meteorology, Applied Mathematics, Renewable Energy, or a related technical discipline * Strong understanding of solar resource ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify ... Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify ... Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify ... Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV USA

Perrysburg, OH

$99K - $140K/yr

Support development and scaleup of First Solar's nextgeneration perovskite technology. * Operate at the intersection of materials science, device physics, and pilot manufacturing engineering, acting ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify ... Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define ...

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All JobsSolar Physicist Jobs

Solar Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do solar physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 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.
More about Solar Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Solar Physicist job openings:
What states have the most Solar Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Physicist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Solar Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Physicist jobs are:
Solar Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Physicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 83% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Solar Design Engineer

Solar Design Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by $450M from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, and others – with an additional $500M in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers – we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.

With multiple launches planned through 2026 and 2027, we're Building Bigger to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series C space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical domains; from module technology and electrical power systems to deployment mechanisms, structures, and production — learning from experienced engineers while taking on meaningful ownership of hardware from day one.

First 6 months: Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and manufacturing process documentation.

First year: Own specific build and test activities for flight hardware, from assembly through acceptance testing.

First two years: Contribute to full lifecycle solar array development across multiple vehicle builds, developing expertise in both design and production.

Responsibilities

  • Support the design and analysis of solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of electrical performance degradation models across environment variations
  • Execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures and document results
  • Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on integration activities and test campaigns
  • Support design reviews with analysis products and test data
  • Contribute to manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing
  • Participate in on-orbit data review and anomaly investigation efforts

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
  • Internship in at least one of: photovoltaics, power systems, or materials characterization
  • Hands-on hardware experience through internships, research, design competitions, or extracurricular projects

Nice to Have

  • Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications
  • Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash testing)
  • Familiarity with structural analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent) or thermal analysis tools
  • Familiarity with space environment effects on materials, including radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen
  • Experience with CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and practical GD&T application
  • Exposure to manufacturing processes such as soldering, layup, or electromechanical assembly
  • Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis
  • Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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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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