Mechanical Engineer – Vehicle Design

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. Our mission is to accelerate the renewable energy transition by reducing soft costs and improving efficiency in the development, procurement, and construction of large renewable energy projects.

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!

Position Summary

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 identifying 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

• Up to 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.

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each posted range individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher) dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 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!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at [email protected] with any staffing related inquiries.