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Solar System Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... You'll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into ...

K2 Space

Solar Manufacturing Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... You'll develop deep technical intuition, contribute to systems that scale, and grow into ...

Apply Early

Impulse Space

Solar Array Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

You'll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware. Responsibilities * Define ...

Vast

Solar Array Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Vast is looking for a Solar Array Engineer , reporting to the Principal Power Systems Engineer, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial ...

Vast

Solar Arrays Engineer l

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Interface with systems engineering, power electronics, structures, thermal, and mission assurance ... Experience with space solar design and guidelines such as AIAA S111, S112. * Proactive problem ...

K2 Space

Head of Solar

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

This is a rare opportunity to define what world-class solar engineering looks like inside a vertically integrated space company, and to build the team and systems that make it real. Responsibilities

K2 Space

Optical Systems Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated ...

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All JobsSolar System Engineer JobsSolar System Engineer Jobs in California

Solar System Engineer information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$125.5K

$164.8K

How much do solar system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar system engineer in California is $125,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Solar System Engineer do?

A Solar System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining solar power systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Their work includes assessing sites for solar suitability, creating technical plans, selecting appropriate materials and components, and overseeing installation and maintenance. They ensure that solar systems are efficient, cost-effective, and comply with all relevant regulations and safety standards. Solar System Engineers often collaborate with clients, architects, and contractors to deliver customized solar energy solutions.

What is the difference between Solar System Engineer vs Solar Design Engineer?

AspectSolar System EngineerSolar Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like NABCEP, technical skillsBachelor's in engineering or related field, certifications like NABCEP, design software proficiency
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, system installation, testing, and troubleshootingOffice-based, designing solar systems, creating layouts and plans
Employer & Industry UsageSolar installation companies, engineering firms, renewable energy projectsDesign firms, engineering consultancies, solar project developers

While both roles require technical knowledge and certifications like NABCEP, Solar System Engineers focus on system installation, testing, and maintenance in the field. In contrast, Solar Design Engineers primarily work on designing solar systems, creating layouts, and preparing plans for installation. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in daily tasks and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar System Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, experience in solar energy system design, and relevant engineering degrees or certifications. Familiarity with CAD software, PV system modeling tools (such as PVsyst), and knowledge of industry standards like NEC and IEC are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and deployment of solar energy solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are some of the main challenges Solar System Engineers face when working on large-scale installations?

Solar System Engineers often encounter challenges such as site-specific constraints, integration with existing electrical infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Large-scale projects may require close coordination with civil engineers, electricians, and project managers to address issues like shading analysis, optimal panel placement, and grid interconnection. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming unexpected site conditions and maintaining project timelines.
What are popular job titles related to Solar System Engineer jobs in California? For Solar System Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar System Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar System Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar System Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar System Engineer job openings:
Solar System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar System Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,549 per year, or $60.4 per hour.
Principal Solar Process Engineer

Principal Solar Process Engineer

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 27 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
The processes that go into developing K2's solar arrays - from module interconnects and adhesive systems to cover glass coatings and substrate composites - directly determine how much power they produce, how long they last, and how fast we can build them. Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path.
You will define how K2 selects, qualifies, and scales manufacturing processes for its solar array systems. The operating environments, mission lifetimes, and production rates we are pursuing demand meaningful impact in how our materials are characterized, qualified, and manufactured. You will own the success of implementation of material systems and novel manufacturing processes in the development and scaling of K2's solar array design and production.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2's solar array processes - including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition, coating, bonding, mechanism joints, and surface treatment
  • Research, evaluate, and select conventional and novel processes for solar array applications, driving trades that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and schedule
  • Design and execution of structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems and validate corrective actions
  • Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify sources of variation and opportunities for yield improvement
  • Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related anomalies
  • Establish and drive corrective action plans back into design requirements and production
  • Own the evaluation, cost/benefit analysis, and selection of manufacturing equipment for all in-house process development
  • Collaborate with the production team to develop process specifications, work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests
  • Define qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns to establish resultant performance across radiation, thermal cycling, mechanical, and plasma environments
  • Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define manufacturing process-driven requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review
  • Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables
  • Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge and best practices for solar array hardware at production scale

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in materials and process engineering, with demonstrated depth in material selection, characterization, qualification, and production-scale process development
  • Demonstrated track record of material and process decisions that have been validated through flight or equivalent high-reliability hardware programs

Nice to Have
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field
  • Prior experience architecting manufacturing processes for solar array systems across the full development lifecycle - requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, qualification, production, and on-orbit data review
  • Hands-on experience across multiple solar array material systems, with variation in cell technology, interconnect methodology, encapsulant chemistry, and system architecture
  • Deep working knowledge of adhesive systems, composites, thin films, thermal interface materials, and coatings as applied to high-power, long-life solar array hardware
  • Working knowledge of AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-4005, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-6016 for solar module qualification, materials usage, and spacecraft charging effects
  • Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials - displacement damage dose modeling, ionizing effects, UV degradation, and atomic oxygen erosion
  • Depth across solar process disciplines including deposition techniques for anti-reflective coatings, chemical etching for bond preparation, encapsulant deposition, methods for corrosion control, outgassing compatibility, descriptive and inferential statistics, and failure analysis.
  • Hands-on proficiency with material characterization tools: SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, or equivalent
  • Experience scaling manufacturing processes from prototype to high-rate production, including SPC implementation and manufacturing equipment qualification
  • Python or MATLAB proficiency for test data analysis and degradation modeling

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary 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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