Foundation Applications Engineers

Nextracker; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage

Dental and vision

401(K) with company match

Life and disability protection

Stock compensation

Job summary

Nextpower is seeking an experienced Sr Field Applications Engineer to provide on-site technical support for foundation solutions, work with global teams, and drive field testing and process improvements. The role requires strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on machinery experience, and travel to active project sites.

You will collaborate with Product Development and Machinery/Software teams to resolve issues, ensure customer satisfaction, and contribute to ongoing technology enhancements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of field engineering, applications engineering, product development, mechanical engineering or a related technical field
• Experience in renewable energy preferred
• Hands-on with heavy machinery, foundation installation, or construction site operations
• Proven track record of resolving on-site issues and providing field support
• Customer-facing engineering support and troubleshooting experience
• Management experience preferred
• Experience with both hardware and software tools
• Strong computer skills
• Survey or GPS experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site and remote technical support to integrate foundation solutions
• Lead field and office-based engineering personnel globally
• Develop and improve internal processes for global teams
• Collaborate with Product Development, Machinery Engineering, and Software Engineering
• Capture and communicate customer feedback and issues to stakeholders
• Travel to customer sites to support deployments and testing
• Design, implement, and oversee field testing of foundation machinery and equipment
• Train operators and field personnel on equipment operation and safety

Skills

Field engineering

Customer facing

Mechanical engineering

Electrical awareness

Training & support

Project management

Education

Technical certificate in heavy machinery or construction

Bachelor's degree in civil/ mechanical/ structural engineering or construction management

Advanced engineering degree preferred

Tools

GPS equipment

Engineering drawings reading

Site safety knowledge

Job description

Job Description: At Nextpower, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar trackers and control software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services. As a company driving the clean energy transition, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative, and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations. Make your mark with Nextpower.

Position Summary

As a member of the Foundation Services team, Sr Field Applications Engineers (FAEs) provide R&D phase support, on-site technical and engineering field support for Nextpowerr’s Product Engineering teams and for customers on active project sites. The Sr FAE is responsible for successfully leading the integration of Nextpower’s innovative foundation solutions by partnering with all internal and external stakeholders quickly resolving on-site issues through effective communication and collaboration. In addition, the Sr FAE works closely with our R&D Engineering and Product Development teams by conducting structured and ad-hoc field testing of hardware and machines, providing detailed testing results, and identifying potential solutions to in-field issues that arise, supporting ongoing improvements to our technology and processes. The Field Applications Engineering role is ideal for individuals possessing formal engineering education, extensive field and construction experience, or a combination of both. If you love leading rapid development engineering in action and you like getting grease on your hands, this could be the position for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide customers with remote and on-site technical and engineering support with the goal of successfully integrating Nextpower foundation solutions technology.
• Lead internal and external field and office-based engineering personnel working around the globe.
• Envision, develop, implement and improve internal processes and tools for utilization across global teams.
• Work hand in hand with Nextpower’s Product Development, Machinery Engineering, and Software Engineering teams to co‑develop fantastic solutions.
• Ensure customer feedback, issues, and other critical information obtained during field support is resolved when possible, escalated when necessary, and is documented and communicated back to other internal stakeholders, including Product Development and Machines team.
• Work to resolve issues on‑site and in the office by utilizing effective and efficient decision‑making skills to ensure technology is integrated while ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Drive technology improvement and processes using analytical engineering decisions independently and/or collaboratively with internal stakeholders and SMEs.
• Travel to provide on‑site operational and technical support.
• Drive the design of, implementation of, and completion of required and ad‑hoc field testing of foundations solutions hardware and machinery.
• Complete on‑site parts procurement, machine repair.
• Leverage specific skillset of other personnel internal and external as needed.
• Design, build, and implement training of equipment operators, engineers, mechanics both internal and external to the company.
• Train and support on‑site mechanic teams.
• Work closely with R&D Product and Machinery Engineering and Test Engineering to integrate technology, mitigate installation issues while ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the process.
• Recognize and report safety concerns.
• Lead team members in engineering out safety risk.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in field engineering, applications engineering, product development, mechanical engineering or a related technical field
• Experience working in the renewable energy sector preferred
• Hands‑on experience with heavy machinery, foundation installation, or construction site operations
• Proven track record of resolving on‑site technical issues and providing engineering field support
• Experience in customer‑facing roles, providing direct technical support and troubleshooting
• Management experience preferred
• Experience with both hardware and software tools.
• Very strong computer skills required
• Survey or GPS equipment experience preferred

Education

• Technical certificate in heavy machinery engineering or construction, such as a CCA, CCM, Certified Crane Operator Certification, or Assistive Design Certificate
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Software development, or other technical field preferred
• Equivalent work experience in field engineering or construction may be considered in place of a formal degree

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of engineering principles, geotechnical considerations, and structural analysis
• Familiarity with construction site safety regulations, best practices
• Knowledge of solar tracker systems, foundation installation techniques, and pile‑driving equipment
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical components related to foundation machinery
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and site plans

Skills

• Technical Problem‑Solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve on‑site technical issues efficiently
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with internal teams, customers, and subcontractors
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize field activities, and ensure timely issue resolution
• Hands‑on Mechanical Aptitude: Capability to troubleshoot and repair field equipment and machinery
• Training & Support: Experience conducting technical training for customers and field operators
• Adaptability & Innovation: Ability to think critically and apply innovative solutions to field challenges

Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package.

• Health care coverage
• Dental and vision
• 401(K) participation including company matching
• Company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off
• Generous discretionary company bonuses
• Life and disability protection
• Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation

All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower’s benefits please view our company website at www.Nextpower.com.

Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job‑related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00-120,000.00 NEXRSR

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are Nextpower At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility‑scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data‑driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are Nextpower At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility‑scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data‑driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.