Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Qcells is seeking a Senior Mechanical Automation Engineer to design and implement automated and robotic assembly systems for utility-scale solar power plant construction. The role leads mechanical design from concept through commercialization and supports system integration, testing, field validation, and product development.
Responsibilities
- Lead mechanical design of new automation and related solar products from concept through commercialization, applying statics, dynamics, and mechanics principles to solve complex assembly and installation challenges
- Collaborate with controls engineers, system integrators, and cross-functional and third-party partners to integrate custom and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components (robots, conveyors, drives, sensors) into complex automation systems
- Develop 3D CAD models and detailed product drawings in SolidWorks
- Perform structural and stress (FEA) analysis and maintain FMEA, design-verification, and calculation reports, establishing safety factors and ensuring traceability between requirements, design, testing, and compliance evidence
- Design and execute prototype, system-integration, and validation testing (lab and field, including FAT/SAT); document findings, perform root-cause analysis on failures, and recommend design or process changes
- Engage field teams and customers to gather prototype feedback, validate design solutions, and prepare installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting documentation
- Lead or support mechanical workstreams on development programs, tracking milestones, managing design reviews, and communicating technical risks, trade studies, and recommendations to project leadership and cross-functional audiences
- Ensure designs meet applicable safety and design standards; coordinate third-party certification with test labs and regulatory bodies
- Apply value engineering and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) practices with manufacturing and supply partners to optimize cost, manufacturability, and field reliability
- Develop and maintain economic models (cost, logistics, field performance, operations) to support investment and pricing decisions
- Convert market requirements and competitive/market analysis into mechanical design specifications and product strategy, aligning scope and targets with cross-functional teams
- Document and protect intellectual property, including invention disclosures, design specifications, and analysis reports, partnering with the IP team on patent and trade-secret strategy
- 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
Skills
- 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
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronis, or equivalent (advanced degrees are valued and may be applied to the professional experience requirements)
- 5+ years' experience in mechanical or mechatronics engineering, including at least 3 years in product development, R&D, or design engineering
- 5+ years' experience with mechanical CAD and analysis tools (SolidWorks, Ansys, or equivalent)
- Ability to solve complex engineering problems using applied mechanics, stress analysis, and system modeling, including mathematical derivations and numerical methods
- Working knowledge of industrial automation and control architecture (motion control, PLC/drive systems, sequencing, safety-rated controls) and experience with system-level integration and testing of multi-component mechanical/electromechanical systems, including designing and executing validation protocols
- Familiarity with relevant engineering standards and codes (e.g., OSHA 29 CFR 1910, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, UL 1740) and experience supporting or managing third-party certification processes
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to cross-functional teams and senior leadership, in both written and verbal formats
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet schedules, escalate risks proactively, and work effectively in remote/distributed team settings
- Solar or utility-scale energy industry experience; familiarity with solar tracker systems, PV module assembly, field-deployment equipment, and single-axis solar tracking mechanics/control principles
- Design and development of robotic assembly systems or related automation
- Experience with mobile or field-deployable equipment: understanding of logistics, field setup, transportation, and operational support requirements for equipment deployed across multiple sites
- Experience with design-for-manufacturing (DFM), lean manufacturing principles, or value-stream mapping to optimize designs for cost and manufacturability
- Demonstrated ability to own a technical domain and serve as subject-matter authority on cross-disciplinary projects
- Experience managing vendor relationships and integrating COTS subsystems into larger products; comfort navigating supplier quality, lead times, and technical-support constraints
Benefits
- Remote position.
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