Sr Applications Engineer, Foundation Services

Nextracker; Minnesota; Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) with company matching

Unlimited paid time off

Job summary

Nextracker in Minnesota is seeking a Sr. Field Applications Engineer, Foundation Services, an experienced pro who leads technical integration and issue resolution for Nextpower foundation solutions, guiding installation methods and training.

The role drives equipment wellness, drill engineering service, and field support, partnering with product and engineering teams to translate field learnings into product improvements and enhanced service delivery.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience with heavy machinery and field operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or related Engineering; Construction Management; or a related technical discipline.
• Certifications or equivalent field experience.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Equipment Wellness Inspection program and related training.
• Establish drilling parameters and monitor performance for Nextpower installations.
• Lead resolution of complex technical and operational issues in the field.
• Partner with Product Development to translate field learnings into improvements.
• Create and improve field processes, standards, and support tools.
• Provide customer-focused technical support and training.
• Uphold safety and drive continuous improvement on-site.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Independent execution

Cross-functional communication

Field troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or related Engineering; Construction Management; or a related technical discipline

Job description

Job Description

The Sr. Field Applications Engineer, Foundation Services is a fully qualified, experienced professional and senior individual contributor who applies advanced, wide-ranging technical expertise to complex field, product, and customer issues. The role leads technical integration and issue resolution for Nextpower foundation solutions, determines methods and procedures for new assignments, advises internal and external stakeholders, and converts field experience into practical improvements to products, equipment, installation methods, processes, and training.

Key Objectives

• Develop, launch, and execute the Equipment Wellness Inspection Program, performing regular audits across site locations to capture equipment condition and provide feedback that improves maintenance execution and supporting training programs.
• Develop, launch, and execute Nextpower’s Drill Engineering Service, establishing drilling parameters, monitoring equipment performance, optimizing automated installation behaviors, instituting standards across the equipment fleet, and enabling service monetization.
• Lead resolution of complex technical, mechanical, installation, equipment, and operational issues using sound engineering judgment and hands‑on troubleshooting.
• Advance product and field readiness through structured and ad‑hoc testing, detailed field feedback, root‑cause analysis, and practical recommendations.

Core Responsibilities

Equipment Wellness Program

Develop, launch, and execute the Equipment Wellness Inspection Program. Perform regular audits across site locations, capture equipment condition, analyze trends, and communicate recommendations that improve maintenance execution and training. Maintain feedback loops among Fleet, Field Maintenance, Services, Product Management, and Engineering; support customer‑facing reports and potential program monetization.

Drill Engineering Service

Develop, launch, and execute Nextpower’s Drill Engineering Service. Establish drilling parameters, monitor equipment performance, optimize automated installation behaviors, and institute standards across active project sites. Build, finalize, communicate, post, and maintain site‑specific drilling parameters; perform remote and on‑site audits; use compiled data to recommend improvements to internal and external customers. Provide advanced remote and on‑site technical and engineering support on machine‑performance issues.

Field Support and Issue Resolution

Lead resolution of complex technical, mechanical, installation, equipment, and operational issues using effective engineering judgment and hands‑on troubleshooting. Evaluate site conditions, root causes, risks, and safety considerations; select and adapt methods to resolve issues and mitigate when appropriate.

R&D and Product Engineering Partnership

Partner with Product Development and Machinery Engineering to integrate technology and convert field learnings into product, process, equipment, installation, and support improvements. Design, implement, and complete required and ad‑hoc field testing; provide detailed results, recurring‑issue observations, and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Process, Standards, and Tool Development

Develop and improve troubleshooting methods, internal processes, support tools, field documentation, installation feedback loops, issue‑escalation practices, and lessons‑learned processes for use across teams and projects.

Customer, Stakeholder, and Training Support

Provide customer‑focused technical support; communicate issues, risks, options, and recommendations clearly; adapt communication to differing audiences and drive timely resolution. Design, build, and deliver technical training and hands‑on support for operators, engineers, mechanics, customers, subcontractors, and internal field teams.

Safety, Quality, and Continuous Improvement

Recognize, resolve, and report safety concerns; help engineer out field risks; reinforce safe work practices; and drive a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Hands‑on experience with heavy machinery, foundation installation, construction‑site operations, field troubleshooting, machine repair, and customer‑facing technical support; renewable‑energy experience preferred.
• 8+ years of Experience with hardware and software tools, engineering drawings and technical specifications, and field data used to improve products, equipment, testing, processes, or support practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or related Engineering; Construction Management; or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Relevant certifications or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required and work safely in active construction, renewable‑energy, and field environments.
• Strong computer, communication, interpersonal, and professional skills; ability to advise others and persuade stakeholders across disciplines.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Ability to work in outdoor construction, industrial, and manufacturing environments. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and climbing. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Exposure to noise, heavy equipment, and outdoor construction work conditions. Ability to wear required PPE at all times. Ability to safely and legally operate a motor vehicle. Frequent travel to project sites; up to 80% travel.

Skills and Competencies

• Complex technical problem‑solving: diagnoses complex issues, evaluates variable factors, identifies root causes, and develops/adapts practical solutions using engineering principles and field judgment.
• Independent execution: determines methods and procedures for new assignments; manages priorities with limited information and escalates at critical points.
• Communication and influence: communicates clearly with customers and cross‑functional teams, adapts style to differing audiences, advises others on complex matters, and persuades stakeholders.
• Project execution and hands‑on aptitude: manages field priorities, supports testing and deployment, troubleshoots equipment, delivers training, and adapts to changing conditions.

Benefits

Nextracker offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide 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 and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextracker’s benefits please view our company website at www.nextracker.com.

Pay

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 $115,000 - $125,000.

About 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.

Equal Opportunity

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Additional About Nextpower

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.