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Solar Physics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of ... 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 ...

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

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

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

$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 ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$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 ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering ... Experience with solar array system development for space applications, including requirements ...

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Solar Physics information

What is solar physics?

A Solar Physics job involves studying the Sun's structure, behavior, and influence on the solar system. Scientists in this field analyze solar phenomena like sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, often using satellite data, ground-based telescopes, and computer modeling. Their research helps improve space weather predictions, which impact communications, power grids, and satellite operations. Many solar physicists work in research institutions, space agencies, or universities, contributing to both scientific understanding and practical applications.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a solar physics professional?

Day-to-day responsibilities for a Solar Physics professional often include analyzing data from ground-based or space-borne solar observatories, developing and testing theoretical models, and publishing research findings in scientific journals. You may collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to design new instruments, interpret results, or contribute to large-scale research projects. Regular activities also include attending research meetings, presenting findings at conferences, and mentoring junior team members or students. This role offers a dynamic mix of independent research and team-based collaboration in academic, government, or private research settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in solar physics, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Physics, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computational modeling, usually supported by an advanced degree in physics or astrophysics. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python or IDL, experience with data analysis tools, and knowledge of solar observation instruments are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, collaboration, and effective scientific communication help professionals stand out in research-driven environments. These competencies are crucial for interpreting complex solar phenomena and contributing valuable insights to the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Physics jobs in California?

The most popular types of Solar Physics jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Solar Physics jobs in California?

For Solar Physics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Physics jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Physics jobs in California are:

Solar Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Physics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Test Engineer (Solar Chemistry) - Space Solar

Starpath

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Test Engineer - (Solar Chemistry) - Space Solar
Position Details
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Starlight Solar
Travel: Occasional
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.
As a Test Engineer - Solar Chemistry on the Starlight team, you will plan, build, and execute the tests that validate the materials and chemistry behind our perovskite solar cells. You'll stand up the test stands and characterization workflows that connect chemistry decisions to device-level performance, stability, and lifetime - from precursor formulations through finished cells.
Responsibilities
  • Execute test campaigns characterizing perovskite materials, films, and devices - including IV, EQE, photoluminescence, stability/degradation testing, and accelerated aging
  • Build and operate test setups for solution-processed thin-film characterization, including environmental control (moisture, oxygen, temperature, illumination)
  • Run stability and degradation tests under controlled environmental conditions (moisture, oxygen, thermal, UV, light soaking) and analyze degradation pathways
  • Partner with the materials and polymer chemistry teams to design experiments that connect chemistry, processing, and device performance
  • Build data acquisition and analysis workflows for high-throughput characterization across precursor formulations, deposition conditions, and interface treatments
  • Investigate test anomalies and degradation failures; partner with chemistry and manufacturing engineering to close issues
  • Write and execute test procedures and contribute to qualification reports
  • Push back on unnecessary complexity - simplify test setups, eliminate redundant verification, and cut overhead wherever it doesn't add value

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience characterizing thin-film, optoelectronic, or photovoltaic materials and devices (internship and academic research applicable)
  • Hands-on experience with materials and device characterization techniques and the ability to interpret electrical, optical, and chemical data

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in a relevant discipline with research experience on perovskite, thin-film PV, or related optoelectronic materials
  • Direct experience with perovskite device characterization - IV, EQE, hysteresis analysis, photoluminescence, time-resolved spectroscopy
  • Hands-on experience with stability and degradation testing - moisture/oxygen control, thermal cycling, UV exposure, light soaking, accelerated aging
  • Familiarity with solution-processed deposition methods and the connection between processing conditions and device performance
  • Experience building or operating glovebox-based test setups and characterization workflows
  • Proficiency with LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent for data acquisition and analysis
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis of test data, design of experiments (DOE), or high-throughput screening workflows
  • Familiarity with aerospace test standards (e.g., GEVS, AIAA S-111/S-112 for solar cells) and accelerated life testing for space-grade hardware
  • Exposure to aerospace, space, or other high-reliability hardware environments

Compensation & Benefits
  • Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
  • Competitive salary plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience
  • 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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