SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER

What we do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation _will drive the next wave of _innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar-industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. If all of this piques your interest, we’d love to hear from you!

Job description

This position will work within a product development team responsible for designing innovative solutions from concept generation to field deployment, revolutionizing the means and methods of solar power plant construction. The Engineer will identify, design, and optimize mechanisms best suited to meet the project requirements, while ensuring a high quality of equipment reliability and uptime. They will be expected to own and self-govern entire aspects of a product development cycle including but not limited to holding brainstorming sessions, concept feasibilities and down selection, vendor engagement, prototyping/testing, design reviews along with product documentation and design verification reports. The Engineer must function as the advocate for continuous improvement and operational excellence for automated factory equipment and in-field material distribution systems, being proactive in identify challenges followed by resourcefulness problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Innovate solutions for improving solar utility power plant installation efficiency.
• Iterate designs quickly to find the optimal product configuration.
• Perform thorough analysis and validation of mechanical designs, leveraging both hands-on problem solving as well sound engineering practices
• Perform hand calculations such as free body diagrams and kinematic studies for load interactions and component sizing
• Own all phases of the product development process from concept feasibility studies, prototyping, field testing, production drawings, bill of materials as well as cost, schedule, and vendor management.
• Contribute to other team member’s projects through collaborative brainstorming sessions and design reviews
• Provide guidance and mentorship to other team members by sharing unique experiences and design techniques

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3 years of product development experience
• Demonstrable experience with hands on prototyping and troubleshooting
• Knowledgeable of different manufacturing methods such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and injection molding for efficient part design
• Knowledgeable of motion control systems, pneumatics/electric actuators, and DC/stepper motor sizing
• High level of CAD proficiency including 3D modeling & 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred), and GD&T
• Ability to perform finite element analysis (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation), for design validation including non-linear behavior
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise solid decision making
• Self-motivating work ethic with a drive to understand of all aspects of a design project
• Able to work remotely as part of a distributed team with 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast dependent on development activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of product development experience
• Experience in robotics and automation for high volume manufacturing
• Experience with PLC programming and hardware 
• Working knowledge of solar utility power plant components
• Experience in evaluating structural dynamic behavior (due to wind or transportation loads)
• Hands on experience with automobiles and/or powersports equipment
• Demonstrated experience leading product development activities such as brainstorming sessions, Failure Mode & Effect Analysis, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action problem solving for mechanical components

What We Offer

• Generous time off and holiday policy
• Remote flexibility
• Flexible time off
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career progression
• 401k match
• Stock options
• Home office set up allowance
• And much more!