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Solar Research Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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How much do solar research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar research in Arizona is $36.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.89 and $44.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common collaborative projects or teams that a professional in Solar Research typically works with?

Professionals in Solar Research often collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, data analysts, and policy experts. They frequently engage with laboratory staff to design and conduct experiments, and work alongside industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications. Close collaboration with academic researchers is common, particularly when publishing findings or applying for research grants. These partnerships are essential for advancing innovative solar technologies and addressing real-world energy challenges.

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

To thrive in Solar Research, you need a strong background in physics, engineering, or environmental science, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as PVsyst or MATLAB), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for advancing solar technologies, conducting rigorous experiments, and driving innovation in renewable energy solutions.

What is the difference between Solar Research vs Solar Engineering?

AspectSolar ResearchSolar Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Renewable Energy, Physics, or related fields; research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering; technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, academic institutionsDesign offices, construction sites, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, renewable energy companiesEngineering firms, solar panel manufacturers, utility companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in solar energy developmentDesigning and implementing solar energy systems

Solar Research focuses on studying and developing new solar technologies and materials, often within labs or academic settings. In contrast, Solar Engineering involves designing, implementing, and maintaining solar energy systems in real-world applications. Both roles require technical knowledge but differ in their focus—research versus practical application.

What is solar research?

Solar research is the scientific study of the Sun, its properties, and its effects on the Earth and the solar system. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including solar physics, solar energy technologies, and the development of renewable energy systems that harness sunlight. Researchers in this field work to improve our understanding of solar phenomena and to advance technologies for more efficient and sustainable solar energy production.
Infographic showing various Solar Research job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,326 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Solar Fab Senior Process Engineer

Solar Fab Senior Process Engineer

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Arizona State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Profile:
Engineer 3
Job Family:
Engineering
Time Type:
Full time
Max Pay - Depends on experience:
$125,000.00 USD Annual
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Profile Summary:
Leads intermediate to complex projects, and provides technical guidance, design, innovation, and expertise to enhance the institution's engineering solutions and infrastructure.
Job Description:
Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 per year; DOE
With over 24 MW of installed on-site solar generation capacity, which is more than that in place for many large cities, Arizona State University's commitment to solar is compelling. The Solar Power Lab (SPL) was established in 2009, and, from the beginning, was designed with industrial compatibility in mind. Technology thrusts are selected to reinforce industrial relevance both now and in the future. Considering solely silicon technology (III-V solar cells are also studied), SPL has all the necessary processing equipment for raw silicon to serve as the input, and completed, characterized, and tested solar cells generated as the output. For reliability testing and educational purposes, SPL also fabricates modules, usually single-cell or 2x2 format. SPL is housed in the MacroTechnology Works building in the ASU Research Park and consists of 6,370 square feet of class 100/1000 cleanroom space along with 2,097 square feet of non-cleanroom H6 space and 606 square feet of dry lab. Incorporated in the lab are over 25 pieces of major equipment (e.g., wet processing, furnaces, RTA, PECVD, sputtering tools, evaporators, screen printing, ALD, and MOCVD) and the concomitant characterization tools (I-V testers, PL, EL, QE, lifetime testers, LIT, etc.).
With the culmination of the successful, ten-year NSF- and DOE-sponsored QESST (Quantum Energy and Sustainable Solar Technologies) Engineering Research Center (ERC), SPL transitioned to ASU's Knowledge Enterprise as the Solar Fab (SF) Core. Accordingly, SF is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the team.
Essential Duties
  • This position will report to the Director of Operations in the Solar Fab facility located at Arizona State University's MacroTechnology Works building.
  • The primary job responsibilities include process tool maintenance, process development and characterization, training cleanroom users on process tool operation, developing and maintaining training materials, performing tool and process monitoring and reporting the same, writing tool operation procedures, and performing chemical handling. Other duties as assigned.
  • The Process Engineer should be skilled in microelectronic device fabrication and equipment maintenance. He/she must be effective in working with Solar Fab team members, affiliated faculty members, and cleanroom users.

Desired Qualifications
  • A master's degree in engineering or a related field and ten (10) years of engineering or related experience including responsibility for tool and process requirements OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
  • At least five years of work experience in semiconductor and/or solar processing is required. This work experience must be in both R&D and production facilities.
  • Work experience must include direct responsibilities in processes that involve thin film deposition (sputtering, evaporation, PECVD), patterning (screen printing, photolithography), etch (wet and dry), and thermal processing (RTA, furnace). ALD and/or MOCVD exposure is a strong bonus.
  • A firm knowledge in the use of analytical equipment such as profilometers, ellipsometers, four-point-probes, and SEMs.
  • Familiarity with process development and characterization through the usage of Design of Experiments, SPC, and the associated data analysis tools is required.
  • Must have good working knowledge of vacuum systems, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems.
  • Disposition to interface with lab customers (students, staff, faculty, and external entities) as appropriate to ensure project goals are realized.
  • Mentor and/or train customers on various facets related to solar -- technical nuances, tool operation, characterization, etc.
  • Serve as tool owner on multiple pieces of equipment -- responsible for: 1) learning and understanding all aspects of a tool; 2) defining a baseline process; 3) writing the tool SOP; 4) maintaining the tool, including SPC if applicable; and 5) training future tool users.
  • Inclination towards continuous learning and embracing associated responsibilities
  • Ability to work well in a team and to operate independently when needed
  • Detail oriented, flexible, self-motivated, excellent troubleshooting skills
  • Experience in writing scientific documents (e.g., patent applications and reports)

Working Environment
  • The position is first shift Monday through Friday. Occasional off shift work may be required to handle emergencies within the Solar Fab.
  • Activities will be performed in an environmentally controlled office setting, as well as the various spaces that constitute the Solar Fab.
  • There may be extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; it will also be required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work functions.
  • For the class 100/1000 cleanroom space, it will be necessary to wear personal protective equipment including long pants, closed-toed shoes, shoe covers, a lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses.
  • Some activities will entail the need for frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.

Department Statement:
Each year since 2016, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all eleven years the category has existed.
ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers.
At Solar Fab, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.
Working at ASU has additional perks and outstanding benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator.
Driving Requirement:
Driving is not required for this position.
Location:
Off-Campus: Mesa/Tempe
Funding:
No Federal Funding
Instructions to Apply:
Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.
Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.
https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$24910.htmld
To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.
Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.
Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.
Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.
Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.
ASU Statement:
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.
Employment Verification Statement:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.
Background Check Statement:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Fingerprint Check Statement:
A fingerprint check is not required for this position.

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