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

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our collaborative, fast-paced team focused on the development and improvement of mechanical systems and components that help optimize utility-scale solar power plant installation. In this role, you will contribute across the product development lifecycle-supporting concept development, detailed design, prototyping, and field validation-while working closely with cross-functional partners and learning from experienced technical leads.

Location & Travel

• Onsite role in Woodland/Davis, CA.

• Up to ~25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast, depending on development activities.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, prototyping, and installation of new or modified mechanical systems and components that improve deployment efficiency and reduce build time.

• Create and update 3D CAD models and 2D drawings; support tolerance analyses and apply GD&T on parts and assemblies.

• Iterate designs for performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability in collaboration with other engineers.

• Perform and/or support design analyses and hands-on validation using sound engineering practices (bench testing, basic calculations, structured test plans).

• Contribute to the product development workflow from concept through prototype builds, field testing, drawing release, and supplier coordination, under the guidance of a technical lead.

• Participate in design reviews, communicate clearly about risks/tradeoffs, and incorporate feedback quickly.

• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve manufacturability or quality issues and implement improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering.

• 2+ years of relevant experience (internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation, robotics, or related industrial equipment.

• Proficiency in CAD including 3D modeling and 2D drafting (Solid Works preferred) and a working understanding of GD&T fundamentals.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and/or injection molding, with an interest in design-for-manufacture.

• Working knowledge (or strong interest) in motion components and actuation concepts (e.g., pneumatics, electric actuators, DC/stepper motors).

• Hands-on mindset: comfortable building, testing, troubleshooting, and learning in a fast-moving R&D environment.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to structural calculations on metal structures and/or basic FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS, Solid Works Simulation).

• Experience prototyping and debugging mechanical systems, especially automation/robotic systems.

• Familiarity with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools (e.g., FMEA).

• Interest or experience in utility-scale solar, construction equipment, heavy machinery, industrial/agricultural equipment, or adjacent fields.

• Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., AWS D1.1/D1.3, ASCE/SEI
7) is a plus.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering.

• 2+ years of relevant experience (internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation, robotics, or related industrial equipment.

•…