Automation Engineer

Terabase Energy; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote flexibility

Stock options

401k match

Home office setup allowance

Generous time off

Job summary

Terabase Energy is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join a fast-paced team advancing solar utility projects. You will lead design efforts, prototype systems, and drive cost-efficient manufacturing while guiding cross-functional reviews and mentoring junior engineers.

The role covers the full product lifecycle, from concept through field testing, with up to 25% travel to vendor and client sites on the West Coast. Based in Northern California, Terabase emphasizes clean energy transition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in mechanical product development.
• Hands-on prototyping and troubleshooting in industrial automation.
• Design for manufacturability across machining, sheet metal, casting, weldments, injection molding.
• Knowledge of motion systems, pneumatics/electromechanical actuators, and motor sizing.
• Proficient in 3D CAD with GD&T; SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS/ABAQUS/SolidWorks Simulation).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement solutions to improve efficiency of solar plant installations.
• Design, prototype, and install mechanical systems and components.
• Iterate designs for performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Conduct design analyses and validate with testing.
• Own the product development cycle from concept to supplier coordination.
• Mentor junior engineers and interns.
• Support design reviews and provide technical feedback.

Skills

Mechanical design

Prototyping

Manufacturing processes

Autonomous work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS)

SolidWorks Simulation

3D CAD

Job description

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!

Position Summary:

Are you a problem-solver with a passion for building innovative mechanical solutions that move clean energy forward? We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our collaborative, fast-paced team focused on optimizing solar utility power plant installations. In this role, you’ll be involved in every stage of the product development lifecycle—transforming ideas into engineered solutions that drive efficiency, reduce cost, and scale solar deployment. You’ll have the opportunity to lead design efforts, contribute to cross-functional reviews, and leave a lasting impact on the clean energy transition.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of solar utility power plant installations.
• Design, prototype, and install new or modified mechanical systems and components.
• Rapidly iterate designs to achieve optimal performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Conduct thorough design analyses and hands-on validation using sound engineering practices.
• Own the complete product development cycle—from concept and design through prototyping, field testing, production drawings, and supplier coordination.
• Actively contribute to team design reviews and support fellow engineers with technical feedback.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers or interns.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in mechanical product development.
• Strong hands-on prototyping and troubleshooting experience in industrial automation systems.
• Proficient in mechanical design for manufacturability, including methods like machining, sheet metal forming, casting, weldments, and injection molding.
• Working knowledge of motion systems, pneumatics/electromechanical actuators, and motor sizing (DC/stepper motors).
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD and 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred), including use of GD&T.
• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation) for validating mechanical performance including nonlinear analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound engineering decisions.
• Self-starter with a proactive, detail-oriented mindset and eagerness to dive into all facets of design.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to vendor/customer sites and R&D facilities on the West Coast.

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 [e-mail] with any staffing-related inquiries.