Senior Systems Engineer

Job Summary: 

The Senior Systems Engineer will contribute to the development of new products, product enhancements, and ancillary services related to solar power generation. The focus will be on continuous improvement of engineering models/methods/processes that will improve cost competitiveness of single axis tracker products. This position is full-time and exempt. Location of this position is in Chandler, AZ.

Key Job Responsibilities: 

• Analysis (static and dynamic) of solar tracking structures and drivetrains using commercial Finite Element (FEA) and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) software.
• Derive specific system models using fundamental principles of mechanics, statics, and dynamics.
• Create test plans for component and system tests. Correlate functional testing data to engineering model predictions and improve the accuracy of the engineering model.
• Contribute to the creation of specific design/analysis “tools” based on derived system models. Maintain existing design & analysis tools.
• Define and perform engineering optimization studies.

• Report status of assigned programs at various levels of the organization. 

• Develop system engineering governing documents.

• Travel to project sites, labs, suppliers, as required. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Structural Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience developing deriving engineering models of mechanical/structural systems
• Experience with wind load calculations and wind engineering
• Experience writing code in Python language.
• Expert user of commercial simulation software such as FEA and/or Multi-Body Dynamics.
• Experience defining component level and system level testing involving typical engineering sensors such as strain gauges, inclinometers, accelerometers, load sensors, etc. and reviewing test results.
• Working knowledge of civil wind loading methods such as ASCE 7 and/or Eurocode 3
• Proven experience with communicating complex technical concepts to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Sound understanding of fundamental engineering principles of statics, dynamics, energy, and rotating drivetrains.
• Ability to create engineering models of underdefined systems by making and validating sound assumptions.

 Preferred qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Engineering 
• Experience with single axis solar tracker engineering
• Experience with wind tunnel testing and data analysis
• Experience with MSC ADAMS MBD simulation software