Mechanical Engineer

Planted; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Company lunches

Stock options

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Pre-tax commuter benefits

401(k)

Job summary

Planted Solar seeks engineers to join a growing hardware team in Oakland, shaping a novel solar racking system. You will lead design cycles from concept to first build and collaborate with a cross-functional engineering group.

You will own high-impact challenges, drive projects from ideation to delivery, and thrive in a startup culture dedicated to clean energy progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or similar.
• Experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Demonstrated success owning and driving complex problems to clear outcomes.
• Hands on aptitude – able to dive in and troubleshoot issues.
• Desire to work in a startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Own challenging design projects from product development and delivery through conception, design, and assembly.
• Perform analyses including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD on product designs.
• Develop and track to project schedules in a high pace and rapidly changing environment
• Ideate novel solutions to challenging problems - from the system level to individual part design
• Develop automation tools and equipment to enable the rapid deployment of solar projects at scale

Skills

Mechanical design

Analysis

Troubleshooting

Hands-on

Startup mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

First, the good news: The world now has over 1.7 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.

The challenge: The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years.

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. And we need help. We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands‑on engineers and operators. Come own large parts of product, company, or business development and help power the world with 100% clean energy.

About The Role

As an integral part of the hardware team, you will architect, design, analyze, build, and install Planted's novel solar racking system. Lead the development design cycle from concept ideation through first build. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a cross‑functional engineering team with a highly talented group of engineers from varied backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Own challenging design projects from product development and delivery through conception, design, and assembly
• Perform analyses including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD on product designs.
• Develop and track to project schedules in a high pace and rapidly changing environment
• Ideate novel solutions to challenging problems - from the system level to individual part design
• Develop automation tools and equipment to enable the rapid deployment of solar projects at scale

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or similar
• Experience in mechanical design and analysis
• Demonstrated success owning and driving complex problems to clear outcomes.
• Hands on aptitude – able to dive in and troubleshoot issues
• Desire to work in a startup environment

What We Offer

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

This Will Be a Great Fit If

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are biased toward action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, we look forward to hearing from you.