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. - 10+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering / industrialization for complex roll formed steel components and assemblies. - Preferred disciplines: Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Metallurgical or Chemical Engineering. - 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 to ambiguous plans. - Ability to influence others and negotiate solutions. - 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.