Job Description:
Mechanical Tool Design & FEA, Test Engineer III
Job Description
Array Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in solar energy solutions – and we have been for over 30 years! Our dramatic growth is creating incredible opportunities on our dynamic, innovative and creative team. Are you self-motivated, highly-skilled and possess an extensive background in mechanical, structural or civil engineering? Do you enjoy putting your considerable abilities to the test? Would you love to play a key role in advancing the clean energy revolution? Join the company that is leading the way!
What you’ll do:
We’ll look to you to ensure our products consistently achieve the highest levels of performance and quality. You will primarily be responsible for designing and evaluating tools, jigs and fixtures for test equipment and setup using CAD and FEA analysis tools to validate structural integrity and optimize performance. Determining & sourcing fabrication of tools and fixtures. Assisting in test plan, request & report review & associated fixture requirements. Create and review Work Instruction processes and documents Secondary responsibilities include developing/executing design verification test plans, as well as documenting/publishing the results. In collaboration with other departments, you will define, document, analyze, perform, and interpret tests for products, systems, components, or modifications. This role involves identifying functional problems and suggesting resolutions. You will also help define internal testing methods and standards while maintaining reliability programs. This position may require occasional travel as well as evening and weekend hours. You will:
- Design Tooling: Develop 3D models and detailed technical drawings for tools, jigs, and fixtures using CAD software.
- Conduct FEA: Perform structural, thermal, and fatigue analysis to validate tool & fixture designs and predict failure points before fabrication. (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks ‘Simulation’)
- Design for Fabrication: Optimize tool designs for cost-effectiveness, safety, and ease of fabrication.
- Testing and Validation: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to test tools and update designs based on performance feedback.
- Documentation: Prepare technical reports, GD&T specifications, and stress analysis documentation.
- Lead internal design activities for new and/or improved test fixtures and equipment.
- Oversee & ensure test equipment & devices are in good working order.
- Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking tool and fixture design and build activities.
- Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.
- Create, populate, or maintain databases for tracking validation activities, test results, or validated systems.
- Prepare validation/performance qualification protocols for manufacturing processes, systems, or equipment.
- Develop product testing methods and standards.
- Review of Test Plans, Test Requests, Test Reports, Work Instructions & other related documents.
- Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
- Perform measurement & inspection metrology on parts and assemblies.
- Conduct mechanical/structural load testing of solar tracker components in a laboratory setting.
- Conduct accelerated lifetime testing of motors, drivelines, gear boxes, etc.
- Conduct validation or qualification tests of new/existing processes, equipment, and software.
- Record, data logging, observations, and measurements of tests.
- Process & Analyze data records & prepare detailed reports or design statements.
- Lead activities to optimize and drive the test engineering process for improved testing methods, plans or procedures.
- Support Product Development, Operations, Service and Quality teams.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications you must have:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science & engineering, electrical engineering, quality or manufacturing engineering
- 5+ years of experience utilizing FEA, DFMA Analysis
- 5+ years of experience using 3D CAD software
- 5+ years of experience in tooling design, fixture design, or structural analysis in engineering environments.
- 5+ years of experience with mechanical/structural testing, lifecycle & fatigue testing
- 5+ years of experience operating data logging sensors and acquisition equipment
- 5+ years of experience defining design validation tests
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing environment
- 5+ years of experience using Microsoft Office Suite
- Travel, 5% to 10% field site testing
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline
- Highly creative & Ability to effectively work on multiple projects concurrently
- Deep understanding of GD&T, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
- Interest in product development
- Background in measurement, inspection & metrology
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
- Entry level experience in valid design of experiments, statistics, and equipment capability analysis experience
- General programming or data acquisition experience
- Ability to work across multiple organizations in a fast paced, smaller company environment
At Array Tech, Inc., we strive to lead with our culture, and believe that our people are a key enabler of our future state. Our total rewards philosophy supports Array’s ability to attract, develop, and retain our employees. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and wellness programs that align with the local markets where we do business.
Array Tech, Inc. offers equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or any other legally protected status.
