Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Terabase Energy; Davis (CA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Additional discretionary bonuses

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm is seeking experienced Mechanical Design Engineers to work onsite in California. The role involves designing solutions to improve solar utility power plant installation efficiency and requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering along with significant experience in mechanical design and product development. Proficiency in CAD and knowledge of manufacturing methods are essential. This position offers a dynamic work environment with some travel required for project coordination.

Qualifications

• 10 years of mechanical design and product development experience.
• Hands-on prototyping and troubleshooting experience.
• CAD proficiency including 3D modelling and 2D drafting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and install mechanical components or systems.
• Innovate solutions for solar utility power plant installation efficiency.
• Own all phases of the product development process.

Skills

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Collaboration

Prototyping

Analytical thinking

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

ABAQUS

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. We develop an interconnected software and construction automation platform to support design, optimisation, and construction of huge solar projects worldwide. Our team includes solar veterans, engineers, coders, product managers, and sales & marketing professionals, based in Northern California with several offices across the United States and around the world.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will thrive in Terabase’s high‑growth, innovative, lean, values‑driven environment. The role requires adaptability, curiosity, resourcefulness, analytical thinking, pro‑activity, collaboration, technological savvy, and dedication to accelerating global decarbonisation through digital and automation technology. We are seeking 2 Mechanical Design Engineers for an onsite role in Davis, CA with up to 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities on the West Coast.

Responsibilities

• Innovate solutions for improving solar utility power plant installation efficiency.
• Design, develop, manufacture and install new or modified mechanical components or systems.
• Iterate designs quickly to find the optimal product configuration.
• Perform thorough analysis and validation on mechanical designs leveraging both hands‑on problem solving and sound engineering practices.
• Own all phases of the product development process from concept through prototyping, field testing, and production drawings.
• Contribute to other team members’ projects through collaborative design reviews.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to other team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 10 years of mechanical design and product development and R&D experience related to mass production and manufacturing.
• Demonstrable experience with hands‑on prototyping and troubleshooting.
• Knowledgeable of different manufacturing methods such as sheet‑metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and injection moulding for efficient part design.
• Knowledgeable of motion control systems, pneumatics/electric actuators, and DC/stepper motor sizing.
• CAD proficiency including 3D modelling and 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred), and GD&T.
• Experience with finite element analysis (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation) for design validation including non‑linear behaviour.
• Ability to work independently and exercise solid decision‑making.
• Self‑motivation with a drive to understand all aspects of a design project.
• Able to work remotely as part of a distributed team with 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities on the West Coast.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Experience in robotics and automation for high‑volume manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of solar utility power plant components.
• Experience evaluating structural dynamic behaviour (due to wind or transportation loads).
• Hands‑on experience with automobiles and/or powersports equipment.
• Demonstrated experience leading product development activities such as brainstorming sessions, Failure Mode & Effect Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, and corrective action problem‑solving for mechanical components.
• Ability to code in Python.
• Familiarity with ASCE 7 and SEI is a plus.

Actual compensation is influenced by many factors including internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and necessary experience related to the position. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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.

Please apply to the job with an updated résumé that includes your present location and contact information.