Mechanical Engineer

Planted Solar; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-paid in-office lunches

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental benefits

Pre-tax commuter benefits

401(k)

Job summary

A renewable energy technology company in Oakland seeks an experienced mechanical engineer to design and build innovative solar racking systems. This full-time role involves leading design projects, performing complex analyses, and working within a dynamic engineering team. Ideal candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, strong analytical skills, and a hands-on troubleshooting approach. Competitive salary and benefits including stock options are offered, aiming to empower employees within a thriving startup environment.

Qualifications

• 1-5+ years of experience in mechanical design and analysis.
• Ability to own and drive complex problems to clear outcomes.
• Hands-on aptitude for troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design Planted's solar racking system.
• Lead the development design cycle from concept to first build.
• Perform analyses including hand calculations and FEA.

Skills

Mechanical design

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or similar

Tools

CAD software

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.

The salary range for this full‑time position is $100,000 - $135,000 plus stock and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job‑specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 1‑5+ years.

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, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.