Design Engineer (Mechanical Engineering)

Position Overview

At 1st Avenue Power, we are on a mission to deliver simple, fast-to-deploy, customer-centric and intelligent power systems that leverage abundant solar energy to provide inexpensive and reliable clean energy—from powering data centers to energizing underserved communities globally. Work alongside Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, a pioneering clean energy innovator, as the Design Engineer and Lead Engineer on multiple product development initiatives. In this role, you’ll drive the design, validation, and certification of solar PV systems and related products, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while optimizing performance, constructability, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and apply structural product load requirements, including data interpretation from wind tunnel testing.
• Provide structural engineering support and act as a technical resource for internal projects.
• Support the full product development lifecycle including design cycles, prototyping, CAD design/drafting, testing (lab, field, and performance validation), field validation, troubleshooting, sourcing, procurement support, and certifications/compliance documentation.
• Prepare preliminary and detailed site layouts, system designs, and electrical schematics for utility-scale PV projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across development, finance, procurement, and EPC.
• Stay current with industry standards, regulations, and certification practices, including UL-2703.
• Conduct product load testing and produce corresponding testing reports as needed.
• Perform field testing on construction sites and other engineering-related tasks as assigned.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Current California Structural Civil PE with active stamp.
• Proficient in AutoCAD with the ability to create site layouts, plans, and detailed design drawings.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a similar discipline).
• Proficiency with Solidworks or similar CAD software.
• Proven track record of strong mechanical design capabilities.
• Comfortable working in a high-paced startup environment.
• Computer and workplace software proficiency.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Remote Flexibility with 5-15% travel to sites as needed.
• Health Insurance: 100% coverage of employee premiums under a Gold-level PPO plan; Dental & Vision Insurance: 50% of employee premiums are covered.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match.
• California Pay Range: $120,000—$145,000 USD