Senior Mechanical Engineer

What We Do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world.

Our team is a blend of solar industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical, and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world.

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Position Summary:

Are you a problem-solver with a passion for building innovative mechanical solutions that move clean energy forward? We are seeking two talented individuals to join our collaborative, fast-paced team for new product development and enhancements focused on mechanical systems and components to optimize solar utility power plant installations.

In this role, you’ll be involved in every stage of the product development lifecycle—transforming ideas into engineered solutions that drive efficiency, reduce cost, and scale solar deployment. You’ll have the opportunity to lead design efforts, contribute to cross-functional reviews, and leave a lasting impact on the clean energy transition.

This is an onsite role in Davis, CA.

Additionally, there is up to 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast, depending on development activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and install new or modified mechanical systems and components for automation, to reduce build time.
• Rapidly iterate designs to achieve optimal performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of utility scale solar power plant installation and deployment.
• Conduct thorough design analysis and hands-on validation using sound engineering practices.
• Own the complete product development cycle—from concept and design through prototyping, field testing, production drawings, and supplier coordination.
• Actively contribute to team design reviews and support fellow engineers with technical feedback.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers or interns.

Minimum Qualifications

• Related technical education and minimum 8+ years of experience that includes R&D, innovations and product development related to Mechatronics/Mechanical product design and industrial automation, robotics and high-volume manufacturing experience.
• CAD proficiency including 3D modeling & 2D drafting (Solid Works preferred), and GD&T.
• Experience with static structural finite element analysis software (ANSYS/ABAQUS/Solid Works Simulation).
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and different manufacturing methods such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and injection molding for efficient part design.
• Knowledge of motion control systems, pneumatics/electric actuators, and DC/stepper motor sizing.
• Self-motivated and self-driven to understand all aspects of a design project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial/Electrical/Civil/Structural Engineering.
• Understanding of utility scale solar, solar construction automation, project execution.
• Ability to perform structural calculations on metal structures.
• Experience with prototyping, production, and troubleshooting of automation/robotic systems.
• Experience leading product development activities such as brainstorming sessions, Failure Mode & Effect Analysis, Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action problem solving for mechanical components.
• Experience with automotive and/or powersports equipment, construction, heavy machinery, industrial, farming, agricultural tools or equipment.
• Experience with automated welding and AWS D16.2 /D1.1/D1.3
• Familiarity with ASCE /SEI 7 is a plus.

If all of this piques your interest, we'd love to hear from you! Come join our team to…