Job Description
Nextpower is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of steel components and assemblies for utility-scale solar trackers. This role owns mechanical design from concept through new product introduction (NPI), working closely with FEA and mechanical testing teams to validate designs and with Supply Chain, Sourcing, manufacturing, and other partners to deliver products that are robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective.
The scope of these developments is global, requiring collaboration with teams and partners across regions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design of steel parts and assemblies from concept through design release and NPI.
- Create and review 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and design documentation.
- Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design-for-manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA) principles.
- Balance performance, durability, installation needs, manufacturability, and cost.
- Work closely with FEA and mechanical testing teams to define validation needs, prepare design of experiments (DOEs), request simulations, and interpret results.
- Translate simulation and test findings into design decisions; support prototype builds, root-cause investigations, and design improvements.
- Partner with Supply Chain, Sourcing, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers on manufacturability, sourcing, NPI, production readiness, and design transfer.
- Coordinate with structural, electrical, systems, project, and field teams; communicate design decisions, risks, and progress.
- Manage design changes and maintain accurate product documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 10+ years of mechanical product design and development experience, including ownership through production or NPI.
- Experience designing steel components or assemblies for high-volume or cost-sensitive products.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering drawing creation; strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA.
- Experience working with FEA and physical testing teams to plan validation, interpret results, and resolve design issues.
- Experience collaborating with suppliers, Sourcing, and manufacturing teams during product development and production ramp.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project coordination skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with solar trackers, solar racking, or other renewable-energy products.
- Experience with steel stamping, roll forming, fabrication, welding, or related processes.
- Familiarity with structural FEA, fatigue analysis, and mechanical testing.
- Experience preparing DOEs or validation plans; supporting prototypes, pilot builds, supplier qualification, or production ramp-up.
- Familiarity with PLM or engineering change-management systems and global engineering teams.
What Success Looks Like
- Designs progress from concept through NPI with clear requirements, validation evidence, and controlled documentation.
- Simulation and test results inform timely, well-supported design decisions.
- Designs meet performance requirements while accounting for manufacturing, suppliers, installation, and cost.
- Cross-functional teams and suppliers are aligned and equipped to support a successful launch.
At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.
We are Nextpower
