Senior Mechanical R&D Engineer

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA) is seeking a Senior Mechanical R&D Engineer to design and implement solar energy collection systems and automated robotic assembly equipment. The role develops solar tracker and installation automation products from concept through commercialization, conducts prototype testing, and collaborates with cross-functional teams on product design, certification, and execution.

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:

• 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
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
• 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
• advanced degrees are valued and may be applied to the professional experience requirements
• 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