Structural Engineer II

Nextpower LLC, USA; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nextpower is seeking a Structural Engineer to join our Project Engineering team in the Nashville, TN office, supporting key accounts across the United States. This position is responsible for managing day‑to‑day structural engineering activities for utility‑scale PV projects from the development phase through construction.

The candidate will perform structural analyses, design calculations for tracker racking, and collaborate with cross‑regional teams to uphold design standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in structural engineering, preferably within the EPC solar industry.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at least one U.S. state, with the ability to obtain licensure in additional states within a reasonable timeframe.
• Hands-on experience in structural analysis and design, including dead, live, snow, wind, and seismic load analysis; design of steel and concrete structures; and development of construction documents.
• Strong knowledge of engineering standards, codes, and applicable state and federal regulations, including, but not limited to, IBC, ASCE, ASTM, AISC, AISI, and ACI.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), AutoCAD, and foundation analysis software such as LPile, AllPile, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis software, such as RISA-3D, STAAD.Pro, OpenSees, or equivalent.
• Experience with advanced modal and dynamic analysis is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Produce structural design calculations for solar tracker racking systems.
• Support project development by reviewing site conditions, performing preliminary structural calculations, and contributing to cost estimates.
• Conduct structural analyses for wind, seismic, and foundation loads; prepare structural calculation packages; and sign and seal documents when required.
• Provide construction support, including responding to RFIs and reviewing submittals.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of Nextpower products to inform design and engineering decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-regional structural and civil engineering teams to maintain and improve design standards, specifications, templates, and tools.
• Manage engineering schedules and review deliverables from external structural and civil consultants.
• Contribute to the growth of Nextpower’s Design Services team by supporting process improvement and team development efforts.

Skills

Structural engineering

Project engineering

Communication

Teamwork

Excel

AutoCAD

RISA-3D

STAAD.Pro

OpenSees

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering

Tools

LPile

AllPile

OpenSees

RISA-3D

STAAD.Pro

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

Introduction

Nextpower is a global market leader providing solar technology solutions used in utility-scale and distributed generation solar projects around the world. The company has led the sector in global market share since 2015 and remains the number one company in the latest internal materials. Nextpower pioneered smart solar tracking technology and continues to lead the industry through design, engineering, and software innovation. Its intellectual property portfolio protects both hardware and software products and now includes more than 700 issued patents.

About the Role

Nextpower is seeking a Structural Engineer to join our Project Engineering team in the Nashville, TN office, supporting key accounts across the United States. This position is responsible for managing day‑to‑day structural engineering activities for utility‑scale PV projects from the development phase through construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce structural design calculations for solar tracker racking systems.
• Support project development by reviewing site conditions, performing preliminary structural calculations, and contributing to cost estimates.
• Conduct structural analyses for wind, seismic, and foundation loads; prepare structural calculation packages; and sign and seal documents when required.
• Provide construction support, including responding to RFIs and reviewing submittals.
• Develop in‑depth knowledge of Nextpower products to inform design and engineering decisions.
• Collaborate with cross‑regional structural and civil engineering teams to maintain and improve design standards, specifications, templates, and tools.
• Manage engineering schedules and review deliverables from external structural and civil consultants.
• Contribute to the growth of Nextpower’s Design Services team by supporting process improvement and team development efforts.

Required Skills & Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in structural engineering, preferably within the EPC solar industry.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in at least one U.S. state, with the ability to obtain licensure in additional states within a reasonable timeframe.
• Hands‑on experience in structural analysis and design, including dead, live, snow, wind, and seismic load analysis; design of steel and concrete structures; and development of construction documents.
• Strong knowledge of engineering standards, codes, and applicable state and federal regulations, including, but not limited to, IBC, ASCE, ASTM, AISC, AISI, and ACI.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel), AutoCAD, and foundation analysis software such as LPile, AllPile, or equivalent.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis software, such as RISA-3D, STAAD.Pro, OpenSees, or equivalent.
• Experience with advanced modal and dynamic analysis is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, is highly desirable.
• Team‑oriented, self‑driven professional with excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Passion for renewable energy and the solar industry is highly desirable.

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