Job Description:
Nextpower is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop steel components and assemblies for utility-scale solar trackers. This role contributes to design from concept through NPI, working with senior engineers and cross-functional partners to meet product requirements and support manufacturing at scale.
The scope of these developments is global, requiring collaboration with teams and partners across regions.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and update mechanical designs for steel parts and assemblies.
- Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and design documentation.
- Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA principles, seeking guidance on complex design decisions.
- Support concept development, design reviews, design release, and NPI.
- Work with FEA and mechanical testing teams to prepare analysis and test inputs, including DOE plans; provide design information for simulations and tests.
- Review simulation and test results with senior engineers, help identify follow-up work, and incorporate findings into design updates.
- Support prototypes, mechanical testing, and failure investigations.
- Work with Supply Chain, Sourcing, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers on manufacturability reviews, supplier feedback, pilot builds, and production readiness.
- Coordinate design tasks with other engineering and field teams; communicate progress, questions, and potential issues.
- Maintain accurate design records and support engineering change processes.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years of relevant mechanical design or product development experience.
- Experience with 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawings.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA.
- Experience contributing to product validation through analysis, testing, or prototype builds.
- Ability to collaborate with engineering, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
- Professional working proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with steel components or assemblies and high-volume manufacturing.
- Familiarity with steel stamping, roll forming, fabrication, welding, or related processes.
- Experience with solar trackers, solar racking, or renewable-energy products.
- Familiarity with FEA and mechanical testing, including structural or fatigue testing.
- Exposure to DOEs, validation plans, supplier qualification, or NPI.
- Familiarity with PLM or engineering change-management systems and global teams.
What Success Looks Like
- Design tasks are delivered accurately and on schedule with clear models, drawings, and documentation.
- Analysis and test feedback is incorporated into designs with appropriate engineering guidance.
- Designs account for product requirements, manufacturability, supplier input, and production needs.
- Cross-functional partners have the information needed to support NPI and resolve issues.
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**