[Hiring] Manufacturing Engineer – Module Frames @Nextpower

Role Description

At Nextpower, we are accelerating the world’s transition to renewable energy through intelligent solar tracking and breakthrough engineering. As a Manufacturing Engineer – Module Frames, you will be a critical player in this transformation. You will be responsible for driving concurrent engineering (DFM/DFMA), supplier process readiness, industrialization, and engineering change implementation for steel components and assemblies across Nextpower’s global supply base.

The Manufacturing Engineer – Module Frames will lead initiatives to document and develop best practice solutions and new manufacturing technologies across the supplier footprint that includes, but is not limited to:

• Automation
• Inspection
• Operational excellence (lean thinking)

This role partners directly with R&D/Design Engineering, Quality, Program Management, or Procurement to ensure new and existing designs are manufacturable, scalable, cost-effective, and reliable, and to support design release and change-control decisions through rigorous engineering analysis and factory validation, while ensuring a customer-centric approach to meet or exceed internal and external customer expectations.

Responsibilities

• Support the launch, commissioning, and ramp-up of new equipment at supplier locations, domestic and/or internationally.
• Participate in product development from concept through design release, providing manufacturing feasibility input and DFM/DFMA recommendations.
• Partner with suppliers to obtain and incorporate external DFM feedback and capability constraints.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and design revisions; identify manufacturability risks and propose engineering solutions.
• Support structured design release gates by providing engineering recommendations based on manufacturability, process capability, cost drivers, and supplier readiness.
• Lead and/or drive innovation in manufacturing technologies and technical readiness activities for complex roll forming of steel products.
• Plan and execute prototype builds, supplier trials, and on-site validations; verify functional intent and key/critical dimensions through appropriate measurement and inspection methods.
• Lead technical value engineering and cost-reduction initiatives across module frame products.
• Define and validate manufacturing readiness deliverables, as applicable.
• Conduct supplier factory readiness audits and support supplier ramp execution.
• Identify and deploy manufacturing technologies and best practices across the supplier footprint.
• Define technical requirements for tooling/equipment; develop and execute FAT/SAT acceptance criteria and validation checklists.
• Serve as a Manufacturing Engineering reviewer/approver for engineering changes (ECR/DCO/ECO) in the company PLM system.
• Provide rapid technical escalation support when supplier, manufacturing, or field issues negatively impact Nextpower customers.
• Document best practices across the group and deploy standardized solutions across the supplier base.
• Participate in NPI readiness reviews and cross-functional meetings as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• At least 10+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering / industrialization for complex roll formed steel components and assemblies in an OEM or contract manufacturing environment.
• Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering is preferred.
• 10+ years minimum experience in design for manufacturing, steel manufacturing processes or steel machinery.
• 5+ years minimum experience serving large OEM customers in renewable energy, automotive, consumer electronics, consumer goods, or industrial manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience delivering concurrent engineering outcomes.
• Strong experience with roll forming complex steel shapes and fabrication processes.
• Experience leading supplier-facing engineering activities.
• Experience with engineering change management in a PLM system.
• CAD collaboration capability for manufacturability reviews.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma concepts.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to bring clarity, structure, and actions to ambiguous plans and technical challenges.
• Ability to influence others and negotiate solutions in critical timely decisions.
• Experience working with global, cross-functional, and multicultural teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex change efforts.
• Able to work flexible schedules occasionally to accommodate global work teams.
• Travel requirements 75% (international and domestic).

Requirements

• SSGB, PMP, Lean Manufacturing, Journeyman, or other industry certifications preferred.
• Direct experience with domestic and offshore Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
• Able to come up with new processes and bring rigor in the processes that are released.

Benefits

• Innovate with Purpose: Your work directly contributes to accelerating the global shift to renewable energy.
• Global Impact: Collaborate with world-class engineers, suppliers, and partners across continents.
• High-Growth Environment: Be part of a fast-moving, mission-driven team shaping the future of solar technology.
• Empowered Culture: We value bold ideas, authentic collaboration, and a relentless drive for excellence.