Mechanical Test Engineer

Company Overview

Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.

Nevados is a distributed organization with many team members working remotely, while other roles require an in office and on-site presence. Specifics of the work location, travel expectations and other role requirements are outlined in the position overview. Ideal candidates are self-starters who are able to direct and manage their time wisely.

Nevados is seeking an experienced Mechanical Test Engineer responsible for testing and qualifying the next generation of solar tracker technology. In this role, you will manage testing of our products ensuring our products meet internal requirements as well as industry standards. You will also be managing external testing programs, often working directly with 3rd party labs. We are a small team; hence, you will have an opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills while supporting product verification and development.

We are in the Bay Area and require local candidates to commute to the Oakland office or testing site as needed. This is a hybrid role with the opportunity to work from home when testing or meetings allow. Additional travel, up to 20%, may be required to attend site visits and company off-sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage product testing both internally with the mechanical design engineering team and externally with testing labs.

• Perform durability and strength testing on mechanical parts and assemblies.

• Hands-On Setup, execution, and monitoring of tests.

• Maintenance and repair of test equipment and instrument calibration.

• Follow best practices for laboratory safety, organization, and lab hygiene.

• Maintenance and procurement of lab consumables and tools and instrumentation.

• Design and/or modification of test fixtures and equipment using CAD (SolidWorks).

• Analysis and reduction of test data and clear documentation of results.

• Automate testing and data collection where possible.

• Expand and improve testing capabilities, procedures, and documentation.

• Generate test reports and communicate results to product engineers and other stakeholders.

• Develop test procedures and test plans based on product requirement and project needs.

• Regular meetings with design engineers to communicate results and test strategy.

• Develop improvements to test verification process.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and at least 4 years of relevant experience.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, analysis, and 2D drawings

• Basic understanding of mechanics, statics, materials, fluids, heat transfer.

• Experience in test automation and data collection.

• Strong analytical skills using engineering fundamentals and experience.

• Technical writing experience and effective communication skills.

• Ability to communicate and collaborate across cross functional teams.

• Must be a self-starter, self-motivated and be able to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

• Hands-on experience with assembly and fundamental hand tools.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience working at a startup.

• Experience with life cycle, fatigue testing, strength testing, environmental testing.

• Experience with use of test and measurement equipment such as multimeter, calipers, inclinometers, displacement sensor, load cells.

• Experience using shop equipment, cutting tools, hand tools.

• Experience in designing steel parts.

• Familiar with Hydraulic and Pneumatic systems.

• Experience with Arduino, LabView.

• Proficiency using office tools, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

• Experience using productivity platforms such as Slack, Teams, Monday.

• Experience reading and interpreting test standards such as ASTM, ISO, UL, etc.

• Background in the solar industry.

Actual base salary may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Benefits & Total Compensation Package

Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, and equity commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees are provided medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, and unlimited PTO, with additional benefit offerings as we continue to grow.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as a requirement of the role, candidates must be willing to travel at least 10-20% of the time for company off-sites, conferences, trade shows, site visits, and other potential events as needed.

Don't meet every qualification listed in the job posting above? Apply anyways! Nevados is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building a more inclusive ecosystem that integrates women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups into the cleantech sector and the overall tech industry. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals and members of underrepresented groups, even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly. You might be a fit for this role or another open position.