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Solar Research Analyst Jobs in California (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 ... Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and ... Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications

K2 Space

Solar Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and ... Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and ... Analysis work in recent versions of Ansys, FeMap/Nastran, Abaqus, Thermal Desktop. * Experience ...

K2 Space

Senior Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Research, evaluate, and support selection of conventional and novel processes for solar array ... Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related ...

K2 Space

Principal Solar Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Research, evaluate, and select conventional and novel processes for solar array applications ... Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related ...

Starpath

Test Engineer - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

... and academic research applicable) * Hands-on experience with test instrumentation and data ... Familiarity with electroluminescence imaging, dark IV analysis, and other diagnostic techniques for ...

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Solar Research Analyst information

What does a solar research analyst do?

A Solar Research Analyst studies and evaluates data related to solar energy technologies, market trends, and industry developments. They conduct research on solar panel efficiency, costs, government policies, and emerging innovations. Their insights help organizations make informed decisions about investments, project development, and strategy in the solar energy sector. Typically, they also prepare reports, forecast trends, and may present their findings to stakeholders or clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar research analyst?

To thrive as a Solar Research Analyst, you need a strong background in renewable energy, data analysis, and a relevant degree such as engineering, environmental science, or physics. Familiarity with data modeling software, GIS tools, and statistical analysis platforms, as well as certifications like NABCEP, are commonly utilized in this role. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help present findings and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for generating actionable insights and supporting informed decision-making in the fast-evolving solar energy sector.

What are some common challenges a solar research analyst faces when gathering and interpreting solar energy data?

Solar Research Analysts often encounter challenges related to data quality and variability due to changing weather conditions, equipment limitations, and site-specific factors. Interpreting large datasets from multiple sources can also be complex, requiring advanced analytical skills and attention to detail. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving technology and industry standards is crucial for accurate analysis and reporting. Collaborating with engineers, policy makers, and other analysts is essential to ensure findings are actionable and relevant.

Test Engineer (Solar Chemistry) - Space Solar

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Starpath
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Starpathexternal

$125K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Plan, build, and execute tests to validate the materials and chemistry behind perovskite solar cells.

  • Build and operate test setups for solution-processed thin-film characterization under controlled environmental conditions.

  • Analyze degradation pathways, investigate test anomalies, and contribute to qualification reports.

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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