Solar Field Service Technician - Traveling Role

Location

Houston, TX

Wage

$75,000 – $85,000/yr

Employment Type

Full-time

Apply for This Position

Posted on September 9, 2026

Job Description

Overview

The Solar Field Research Technician supports research and development efforts for solar racking and tracking systems through hands-on testing, field trials, and prototype fabrication. This role is ideal for candidates with a background in skilled trades or construction who are interested in solar installation and product development.

Responsibilities

  • Perform, measure, and document testing activities to support research objectives and project deliverables.
  • Conduct field trials and report results to support the transition of R&D concepts into commercial products.
  • Collect technically sound data and provide timely reporting to the engineering research team.
  • Assist in the preparation, assembly, and modification of test fixtures, rigs, and test setups.
  • Fabricate and assemble prototype racking components for testing purposes.
  • Construct solar racking systems accurately according to drawings, specifications, and instructions.
  • Monitor, maintain, and repair long-term testing installations as required.
  • Document and report observed damage or performance issues during testing.
  • Track inventory of incoming test samples and materials.
  • Track usage and movement of test materials and equipment across sites.
  • Communicate effectively with cross-functional team members to maintain workflow efficiency.
  • Maintain safe working conditions for self and team members at all times.
  • Support management with task completion, scheduling, and resource requests.
  • Comply with all OSHA, job site, and construction safety policies.
  • Travel independently or with management to testing and project sites across the U.S. as required.

Requirements

  • Trade school education or equivalent hands-on experience (Bachelor's level preferred but not required).
  • Background in hands-on trades such as construction, framing, HVAC, automotive, agriculture, or manufacturing.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document work and results.
  • Proficiency with electronic devices and programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and online file storage systems.
  • High competency using hand and power tools including angle grinders, band saws, drills, welders, and circular saws.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and accept constructive feedback.
  • Ability to ask questions and request clarification before proceeding when needed.
  • Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently when required.
  • Creative problem-solving mindset with a strong focus on safety.
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, outdoor, and field-based environments.
  • High adaptability in cross-functional and cross-discipline teams.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • PTO

Additional Information

  • National travel required (up to 80%)
  • Candidate can be located anywhere in the US

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
401k
PTO

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

At roughly $38/hr, this posting sits about 48% above the $26/hr median for welding jobs in Houston, TX — toward the top of a $22–$34/hr middle band drawn from 86 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 80% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 360 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 210 different employers. 157 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,424 other active welding openings from 736 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Zachry Group (26), Welding Shop in Houston, TX (25), and Austin Industries (23). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Pasadena at $40/hr, San Angelo at $39/hr, and Midlothian at $38/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Solar Field Service Technician - Traveling Role figures were last recalculated when this page was built.