Solar Development Product Mechanical Engineer

The primary role of the Solar Development Product Mechanical Engineer is to develop, implement and optimize thin-film high-volume production of PV (solar) module finished products.

REPORTS TO:Principal Scientist

• Device fabrication: plan, prepare, assemble and document device assembly for testing and improve R&D device assembly process
• Device characterization: develop and conduct mechanical testing, aging, and functional testing of device assemblies and component layers.
• Product design:
  Design deployable photovoltaic concepts for ease of installation, cost, lifetime, and environmental and regulatory load cases.
• Component Sourcing:
  Define and source plastic, metal and film components to meet product design and regulatory requirements.
• Product analysis: perform studies of product stability and aging to predict and resolve failure modes
• Conduct research to develop new and improved materials, test methods, and manufacturing processes for improved product performance.
• Plan and execute experiments on labscale equipment. Analyze results to inform next steps for continued improvement.
• Optimize industrial processes for stable, high-volume manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain process related documents.
• Identify equipment requirements/specifications and assist with supplier selection.
• Evaluate processes and equipment to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Assist with planning production line layout.

• Simulation/FEA experience with fluid dynamics modelling
• Structural analysis and lifetime estimation
• CAD / AutoCAD including Solid Works
• Product design and specification development
• Experience and/or strong interest in manufacturing / production environments.

• Experience developing or using thin-film, multi-layer, laminated or composite products or processes
• Knowledge of polymer fabrication processes and design of polymer products
• Thin film solar technology, solar cell manufacturing, or multilayer battery manufacturing
• Knowledge of roll-to-roll processing equipment including unwinding and winding, splicing, in-line printing and coating, laminating, and other web-based processes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering, Structural engineering, or Materials engineering, or closely related technical field.

• Advanced technical skills.
• Analytical thinker
• Design of Experiments
• Excellent team rapport with all levels of the organization, and with external suppliers and consultants.
• Hands-on, flexible, proactive attitude to completing objectives

• Bending/twisting/pulling/pushing
• Manipulation and positioning of small delicate parts
• Lifting up to 40 lbs.

$80,000-$140,000 depending on experience and education.