Torque Tube Manufacturing Engineer for Global Scale & Excellence

Nextpower; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Nextpower is accelerating the world’s transition to renewable energy and seeks a Manufacturing Engineer – Torque Tubes to drive concurrent engineering and industrialization of steel torque tubes across the global supply base.

This role leads manufacturing process development from coil preparation to end forming, partnering with R&D/Design Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Procurement to deliver manufacturable, scalable, and cost‑effective products that meet customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• At least 10 years of relevant manufacturing engineering or industrialization experience with steel tubes or structural components.
• Experience in DFM/DFMA for tube profiles, wall thickness, and coatings.
• Experience leading CAPEX projects to implement factory equipment.
• Strong knowledge of roll forming, HF/ERW welding, and tube production processes.
• Experience with PLM-based engineering change management and supplier collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Support launch, commissioning, and ramp-up of torque tube manufacturing lines at supplier locations.
• Provide DFM/DFMA input on tube design and tolerances; incorporate supplier feedback.
• Review drawings, GD&T, and design revisions; identify risks and propose solutions.
• Lead process development for coil handling, seam welding, cutting, and coating processes.
• Plan prototype builds, supplier trials, and production validations with cross-functional teams.
• Drive cost reduction through material utilization, tooling, and process improvements.
• Define manufacturing readiness deliverables and participate in readiness reviews.
• Conduct supplier readiness audits and capacity studies to ensure production readiness.
• Deploy standardized controls, in-line inspection, and Lean practices using OEE and process data.
• Lead engineering changes with traceability and robust verification.

Skills

DFM/DFMA

Welded tube production

HF/ERW welding

PFMEA

Supplier readiness

Lean manufacturing

Plm systems

CAD (SolidWorks)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PLM systems

Job description

Nextpower is accelerating the world’s transition to renewable energy and seeks a Manufacturing Engineer – Torque Tubes to drive concurrent engineering and industrialization of steel torque tubes across the global supply base.

This role leads manufacturing process development from coil preparation to end forming, partnering with R&D/Design Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Procurement to deliver manufacturable, scalable, and cost‑effective products that meet customer requirements.