Director, Hardware Engineering (m/w/d)

Become the Director of Hardware Engineering at Nextracker in Fremont, California. Lead the development of tracker controller hardware for solar applications, overseeing a multi-disciplinary team. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including unlimited paid time off and company matching for 401(K). Drive innovation in clean energy technology and ensure compliance with global standards. Take on the role of Director of Hardware Engineering at Nextracker in Fremont, California. You will lead the end-to-end development of solar tracker controller hardware, managing a multi-disciplinary engineering team. This role involves defining the technology roadmap, ensuring compliance with global standards, and fostering a culture of innovation. Nextracker offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, unlimited paid time off, and generous bonuses, as you contribute to the future of clean energy.

Nextracker Fremont, California, United States On-site Full Time USD 230k–250k yearly UTC-08:00

Nextracker

Company Overview

Name

Nextracker, rebranded as Nextpower

Headquarters

Fremont, CA, United States

Founded

2013

Size

Approximately 1,050 employees (source: cbinsights.com). Revenue of $2.7 billion in FY 2024 (source: cbinsights.com).

What They Do

Nextracker, now known as Nextpower, specializes in solar energy solutions, focusing on intelligent solar trackers, foundations, software, electrical balance of system (eBOS), robotics, and services tailored for utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation projects. Their innovative technology allows solar panels to track the sun, optimizing energy yield while ensuring durability against extreme weather conditions (source: cbinsights.com). The company’s flagship product, the NX Horizon tracker, features a modular and resilient design that is deployed globally, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency. Additionally, the NX Horizon XTR is designed for complex terrains, reducing the need for extensive site grading, while the NX Horizon Low Carbon is recognized as the first verified low-emission tracker (source: nextpower.com). With over 600 patents, Nextpower leads the market as the #1 global tracker supplier, emphasizing made-in-USA production with a capacity of 300 MW per week (source: ptc.com). Their target markets include engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms, developers, and asset owners in the utility-scale solar sector, where they differentiate themselves through integrated systems that reduce levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and enhance installation speed and yield (source: nextpower.com).

Projects & Track Record

Nextpower has an impressive track record, having contributed to over 1,000 solar plants across more than 40 countries, with over 20 GW tracked as of 2022, and this number is expected to grow significantly with over 100 GW of trackers shipped (source: ptc.com). Their notable projects include widespread deployments of the NX Horizon tracker, which have been instrumental in enhancing efficiency in utility-scale solar installations. While specific project names are not extensively detailed, partnerships with companies like Primoris Services highlight their capability in managing complex soil conditions (source: dcfmodeling.com). The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation is evident in their recent developments, including the establishment of U.S. steel lines in Phoenix and Corpus Christi, which support their manufacturing capabilities (source: pv-magazine-usa.com).

Recent Developments

In the past two years, Nextpower has undergone significant transformations, including the completion of its spin-off from Flex in 2024 and the acquisition of Ojjo on June 20, 2024, which expanded their foundations business for challenging soils (source: ngpenergy.com). The launch of NX Foundation Solutions in July 2024, which incorporates Ojjo's Truss Driver technology, has further enhanced their offerings, allowing for over 1 million piles driven (source: investors.nextracker.com). Additionally, the establishment of a dedicated AI/robotics division and the appointment of Chief AI Officer Francesco Borrelli signal Nextpower's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into their operations (source: powermag.com). The rebranding to Nextpower on November 12, 2025, reflects their strategic shift towards a broader range of power technology innovations, including eBOS and power conversion systems expected to launch in 2026 (source: pv-tech.org).

Working There

Nextpower offers a diverse range of roles across various departments, including engineering, operations, quality assurance, manufacturing, sales, and new positions in AI and robotics. The company employs over 300 internal users and collaborates with around 200 suppliers across multiple countries, including the U.S., Australia, India, Mexico, and Spain (source: zoominfo.com). The Fremont headquarters serves as a central hub for hiring, complemented by manufacturing sites in Phoenix, Arizona, and Corpus Christi, Texas. The company culture emphasizes rapid innovation, with processes designed to accelerate product launches and approvals, fostering a collaborative environment that transcends geographical boundaries (source: ptc.com). While specific benefits are not extensively detailed, the competitive cleantech environment and hybrid work model in Fremont suggest a focus on employee satisfaction and engagement (source: climatebase.org).

Contact

Website · Careers · LinkedIn

Last updated on 2025-12-27 | Report an issue

Job Description

The Director of Hardware Engineering is responsible for leading the end-to-end development of Nextracker's tracker controller hardware, including electrical design, mechanical design, high voltage power electronics, communication hardware, control algorithm development, integrated batteries, and BMS. This role oversees all hardware engineering activities from concept through high-volume manufacturing, ensuring compliance with global certification standards and managing a multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and expand a high-performing, multi-disciplinary Hardware Engineering organization for solar field-deployed edge devices.
Define and execute the hardware technology roadmap aligned with business objectives.
Drive critical technical decisions and lead rigorous design reviews across domains.
Establish engineering standards, best practices, and development methodologies.
Mentor and develop engineering leaders; foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
Own system-level hardware architecture and ensure alignment with product strategy.
Ensure seamless integration of hardware with firmware, software, and system-level requirements.
Champion design for manufacturability (DFM), testability (DFT), and scalability for high-volume production.
Guarantee compliance with global certification standards (UL/IEC, EMC/EMI, FCC, CE, etc.).
Work closely with Product Management to translate market needs into technical specifications.
Collaborate with Firmware, Software, Systems Engineering, quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams.
Engage with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and strategic partners to ensure design quality and manufacturing excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
10+ years of experience in hardware product development.
7+ years of engineering leadership managing multi-disciplinary teams.
Proven track record of delivering high-volume industrial hardware products.
Deep expertise in power electronics, electronics packaging, embedded hardware, communications, and mechanical integration.
Strong knowledge of global certifications and compliance standards.
Familiarity with reliability engineering and environmental validation processes.

Nextracker offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextracker's benefits please view our company website at www.nextracker.com. Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $230,000 to $250,000.

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

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