Mechanical Engineer

Ever since we started in 2007, Sunrun has been at the forefront of connecting people to the cleanest energy on Earth. It’s why we’ve become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. Today, we’re on a mission to change the way the world interacts with energy, and we’re building a company and brand that puts power at the center of life. And we’re doing it by designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. We’re unlike any other solar company. Our vertically integrated model gives us total control over every part of the energy lifecycle – from sale through installation and beyond – so you can find endless opportunities for growth. Come join a career you can grow in and a culture you can run with.

Overview

The Design Engineer works cross functionally with Product Management teams to define, design, and release best-in-class PV racking products for the solar market. The Design Engineer is responsible for timely delivery of creative, sophisticated solar racking products that drive down overall installation costs and exceed customer expectations. Proficiency in structural FEA using ANSYS is required. The position is also expected to generate new product ideas, curate intellectual property, and evaluate future technologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers and cross functional teams to define, develop, test, and commercialize high volume, best-in-class solar racking products
• Develop/model product concepts and support project team in choosing concept direction through creation and delivery of the Conceptual Design Review
• Generate, and execute upon, test plans to ensure prototype and production product meet required specifications
• Optimize the mechanical and structural performance of new and existing products via engineering analysis and collaboration with 3rd party engineering and manufacturing partners
• Work with manufacturing partners to optimize for manufacturing, automation,  and assembly
• Generate engineering drawings and tolerance analysis of components and assemblies
• Create and lead team through the Critical Design Review to ensure product has been thoroughly and properly designed for high volume production
• Troubleshoot and generate practical solutions for product issues in the field.
• Support document collateral creation: installation manual linework, marketing renderings, product datasheets, etc…
• Work with 3rd party professional engineering partner(s) to obtain structural approval for newly released products and improve structural performance through creative interpretation and execution of the ASCE building codes
• Identify and justify VAVE and system-level improvement opportunities
• Assist product management and sales by attending site visits as necessary to review new product concepts and assist with new product launch activities - mock roof and beta installations
• Travel to SNR testing facility for validation and concept testing. Approximately 4-5 weeks a year. 
• Positive attitude in high pressure, chaotic situations

Qualifications

• BSME or equivalent and 4+ years experience in design engineering role
• Extensive 3D CAD experience required, AutoDesk Inventor experience strongly preferred
• Proficient in linear and non-linear structural FEA using ANSYS. 
• Demonstrated expertise in applying GD&T for tolerance stack-ups, datum strategies, and feature control in support of automated assembly and high-volume manufacturing.
• Design experience with various, high volume manufacturing processes: aluminum extruding, aluminum and zinc die casting, plastic injection molding, sheet metal, etc
• Basic knowledge of electrical and PV systems (NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Certification preferred)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with all departments and levels of the organization
• Ability to travel domestically to complete validation testing at SNR testing facility and meet with suppliers as needed. Travel 10-15%. 
• Google Suite experience preferred
• Hardworking, action-oriented, and results driven

Recruiter:

Please note that the compensation information is made in good faith for this position only.  It assumes that the successful candidate will be located in markets within the United States that warrant the compensation.  Please speak with your recruiter to learn more.

Starting salary/wage for this opportunity:

Compensation decisions will not be based on a candidate's salary history. You can learn more here.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, some essential job functions, and qualifications for the role. It may not include all essential functions, tasks, or requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and you need reasonable accommodation during the hiring process or to perform this role, please contact us at candidateaccommodations@sunrun.com.

Sunrun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.  We believe that empowering people and valuing their differences are essential for our mission of connecting people to the cleanest energy on earth. Learn more here: EEO | Sunrun