Senior Mechanical R&D Engineer

Qcells USA specializes in utility-scale solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage, and engineering, procurement, and construction solutions. The Senior Mechanical R&D Engineer will design and commercialize solar energy collection systems and automated robotic assembly equipment, conduct prototype testing and analysis, develop engineering documentation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop new solar tracker and installation automation products from concept to commercialization as a member of the R&D team
• Perform hands-on testing of prototype products in laboratory and field conditions
• Develop 3D CAD models and detailed product drawings utilizing SolidWorks for CAD modeling and Ansys for structural finite element analysis
• Develop standard practices, create product specifications & testing requirements, review and analyze test results, assist with testing reports creation
• Assist with the creation and/or revision of product installation and maintenance manuals
• Develop and manage product FMEA documents and calculation reports
• Facilitate product certification through direct engagement with internal or external test labs
• Build and refine economic models including component cost, supply logistics, installation labor, and product performance
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and established design codes
• Establish structural component design targets utilizing wind tunnel data and regional structural requirements
• Perform value engineering on existing components to optimize and reduce cost
• Resolve product issues by performing root-cause failure analysis
• Confidently communicate design recommendations to peer and management level audiences
• Convert market requirements into engineering specifications
• Execute project assignments in accordance with the fundamental engineering principles of statics and mechanics
• Meet with cross-functional teams to align product strategy and execution
• Conduct research and stay current on solar tracker market trends and influences
• Engage with suppliers to optimize designs around manufacturing capabilities
• As a remote employee, demonstrate the ability to independently manage priorities and deliver against project schedules
• Regular attendance, in accordance with the company’s attendance policy and supervisory assignment is an essential job duty requirement for this position
• Periodic domestic travel of up to 20% is required
• Assist with mobilization logistics including per diem, project assignments, and logistics
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

Requirements:

• • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent (advanced degrees are valued and may be applied to the professional experience requirements)
• • 5+ years' experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on product development and R&D
• • 5+ years' experience with SolidWorks or an equivalent mechanical CAD package
• • Experience with static structural finite element analysis software, Ansys or equivalent
• • Advanced analytical and mathematical skills
• • Excellent communication skills
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time
• This position is hybrid, based out of our Houston, TX office, requiring up to 4 days per week in the office (Open to Remote). Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 20%
• • Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• • Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• • Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• • Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• • Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• • Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• • Travel: up to 20% as needed
• • Periodic domestic travel of up to 20% is required
• • Solar industry experience
• • Experience designing utility-scale solar trackers
• • Experience developing automated or robotic assembly equipment
• • Working knowledge of solar tracking algorithms
• • Experience converting wind tunnel analyses into engineering requirements
• • Demonstrable experience delivering on engineering requirements in a process-driven product development environment