Sr. Structural Engineer, Computational Tools & Automation

Qcells EPC; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp seeks a Senior Structural Engineer in the Computational Tools & Automation group to design and implement solar energy collection systems and automated assembly equipment. The role reports to the VP of Product R&D and is hybrid from Houston, TX, with up to 4 days in-office and up to 20% travel.

Requirements include a mechanical engineering degree, 7+ years in engineering with hands-on FEA (Ansys), SolidWorks experience, and proficiency in Python and AI coding tools within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
• Advanced degrees are valued and may be applied toward experience requirements
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for engineering data analysis (NumPy, SciPy, pandas)
• 2+ years’ experience with agentic coding tools and AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) in VS Code/Visual Studio
• 7+ years’ experience in mechanical engineering with focus on system analysis, wind tunnel evaluation, and component load derivation
• 7+ years’ experience in new product development or R&D with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD
• 7+ years’ experience with static structural finite element analysis software (Ansys)
• Analytical and mathematical proficiency; Excellent communication skills

Responsibilities

• Develop structural design optimization tools for solar trackers and fields
• Apply AI coding tools within IDEs to develop engineering analysis tools
• Derive loads and configurations from wind/tunnel, snow, seismic data and site inputs
• Perform system-level resonance and structural analyses using finite element methods
• Utilize SolidWorks for CAD modeling and Ansys for FEA analyses
• Conduct hands-on testing of prototype products
• Define software and data requirements and justify development activities
• Review and manage product FMEA documents and calculation reports
• Build economic optimization models for cost and performance
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and design codes
• Communicate design recommendations effectively
• Execute projects using principles of statics and mechanics
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align inputs to execution
• Stay updated on solar/utility market trends
• Remote work capable with independent priority management
• Adhere to attendance policies and engage in special projects

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Python

AI coding tools

Mechanical engineering

Finite element analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent

Advanced degree valued

Tools

SolidWorks

Ansys

VS Code/Visual Studio

GitHub Copilot/Claude Code

Job description

Description Title: Sr. Structural Engineer, Computational Tools & Automation Department: Tech Center – Product R&D Location: Houston. TX Supervisor: VP, Product R&D FLSA Status: Exempt Position Status: Permanent, Full-time Work Status: Hybrid SR. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, COMPUTATIONAL TOOLS & AUTOMATION

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, TX, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future. Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere. As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

Summary

This is your chance to join the rapidly growing utility solar energy industry! Qcells is an integrated solar company that offers custom-designed single-axis solar tracking systems, photovoltaic modules, and associated automated assembly equipment. Qcells also offers full services, including engineering, geotechnical, pullout testing, field and layout design services to address physical site conditions. Qcells has completed of 3.5 GW of solar racking installations in over 40 states, 9 Canadian provinces and across the globe.

We are currently seeking a Senior Structural Engineer, Computational Tools & Automation, to work with our cross-functional business units to design and implement solar energy collection systems and automated robotic assembly equipment. This position reports to the VP of Product R&D or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is hybrid, based out of our Houston, TX office, requiring up to 4 days per week in the office. Candidates living outside the commuting distance of an office location will operate as fully remote with occasional travel. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 20%. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Essential Job Function & Responsibilities

• Develop structural system design optimization tools for solar trackers and solar fields as a member of the R&D engineering team
• Apply agentic coding tools and AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) within VS Code, Visual Studio, or similar IDEs to rapidly develop engineering analysis tools, validating all AI-generated code and results against first-principles engineering physics
• Derive component loads and product configurations from analysis of wind tunnel coefficients, snow loads, seismic conditions, and site-specific inputs such as grading requirements and foundation specifications
• Perform system-level resonance and structural response analyses using finite element methods in Ansys or similar software
• Participate in component-level product conceptual design and brainstorming activities utilizing SolidWorks for CAD modeling and Ansys for structural finite element analysis
• Perform hands‑on testing of prototype products in laboratory and field conditions
• Define software and data requirements needed for development activities and submit business justification requests to support
• Review and manage product FMEA documents and calculation reports
• Build and refine economic optimization models including component cost, supply logistics, installation labor, and product performance
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and established design codes
• Confidently communicate design recommendations to peer and management level audiences
• Execute project assignments in accordance with the fundamental engineering principles of statics and mechanics
• Meet with cross-functional teams to align system-level design inputs to project execution
• Conduct research and stay current on solar and utility power market trends
• As a remote employee, demonstrate the ability to independently manage priorities and deliver project schedules
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent (advanced degrees are valued and may be applied to the professional experience requirements)
• Working proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for engineering data analysis (NumPy, SciPy, pandas, or equivalent)
• 2+ years’ experience with agentic coding tools and AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) in VS Code, Visual Studio, or similar IDEs for engineering software development
• 7+ years’ experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on system analysis, wind tunnel evaluation, and component load derivation
• 7+ years’ experience in new product development or R&D with SolidWorks or an equivalent mechanical CAD package
• 7+ years’ experience with static structural finite element analysis software, Ansys or equivalent
• Advanced analytical and mathematical skills
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional engineering licensure
• Experience developing industry-leading utility-scale solar trackers and/or solar fields
• Experience developing engineering optimization tools and user interfaces for derivation of site‑specific loads and configurable product layouts
• Experience interpreting wind tunnel test data
• Working knowledge of solar tracking algorithms
• Demonstrable experience delivering on engineering requirements in a process‑driven product development environment

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicate with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 10% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at [e-mail].