Mechanical Design Engineer

Nevados is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to help develop the next generation of solar tracker technology. As part of the Mechanical Engineering team, you will own mechanical design work from concept through production, including prototyping, testing, NPI support, and root-cause analysis. You will work on both new product development and sustaining improvements for existing products.

This is a hybrid role based in the Bay Area. Candidates must be able to commute to the Oakland office and/or testing site at least 2 days per week (with additional onsite days as needed). Up to 20% travel may be required for site visits, supplier visits, tradeshows, and company off-sites.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Engineering, Operations, Sourcing, Quality, Field) to define requirements and develop concepts for solar tracker components and assemblies.
• Use SolidWorks to create 3D models, 2D drawings, and release-ready documentation; perform structural FEA.
• Design parts and assemblies using DFM/DFA practices for manufacturing processes including sheet metal fabrication (stamping, roll forming, welding), injection molding, and casting.
• Lead design reviews, incorporate feedback, and drive design closure (performance, cost, manufacturability, reliability).
• Define verification approaches (test matrices and test plans) and partner with Test Engineering to execute qualification and interpret results.
• Partner with Sourcing, Quality, and contract manufacturers to support tooling, first builds, FAIs, and production ramp activities.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance product performance, reduce cost, improve manufacturability, and streamline installation.
• Create and maintain installation instructions and training materials for field deployment.
• Support investigations of production and field issues, perform root-cause analysis, and drive corrective actions (in collaboration with Quality and Field teams).

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in mechanical design / product development.
• Experience supporting products through NPI and into production (supplier/manufacturer collaboration, ECOs, build support, issue resolution).
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, 2D drawing creation, and FEA.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis / stack-ups.
• Strong DFM experience for sheet metal components (stamping, roll forming, weldments); exposure to injection molding and/or casting.
• Familiarity with metal coatings and environmental considerations for outdoor products (corrosion, thermal cycling, UV exposure, etc.).
• Hands-on prototyping/assembly experience and comfort using fundamental hand tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in engineering fundamentals.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with PLM systems (Arena preferred).
• Experience with DFMEA and test development.
• Experience in solar, renewables, or outdoor electromechanical products (high-load, harsh environment).
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment.

$130,000 - $160,000 a year

These ranges indicate base salary. See more regarding total compensation packages below. Actual compensation will be determined based on candidate experience, skillset, and location.

Benefits & Total Compensation Package

Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, commission (if applicable to the role) and stock options commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees and their eligible dependents are offered medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability and vol life. We also offer 401(k) participation, unlimited PTO, generous sick leave, paid company holidays and 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.

Inclusion at Nevados

Not sure you meet every qualification? We encourage you to apply anyway. We're committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. This includes uplifting women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who are underrepresented in cleantech and the broader tech industry. Nevados is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interview Process

At Nevados, our interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and our team. It typically entails 3-5 conversations over the course of 3-4 weeks. This timeline and format may vary based on the role as well as availability of team members and the candidate. The process is subject to change at any time.

Phone Screen: An initial call with Recruiting to discuss your background, expectations, and interest in the role.

Discussions with Hiring Managers: In-depth calls with hiring managers/team members to assess your technical skills and fit.

Cross Functional Team Member Interviews: Meetings to gauge team dynamics and working style.

Executive Leadership Conversations: Discussions with our executive team to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals and vision.

Professional Reference Checks and Background Check: The final step before an offer involves contacting your provided professional references to verify your qualifications and past performance as well as a background check.

To ensure a fair and consistent experience for all candidates, we ask that interviews be completed without the use of real-time AI tools, scripts, or external assistance during live conversations, unless explicitly discussed and approved in advance.

Nevados provides reasonable accommodations for candidates who need them. Please let us know in advance if any adjustments are required.