Mechanical Engineer
$100k - $130k USD
What We Do
At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical, and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our collaborative, fast-paced team focused on the development and improvement of mechanical systems and components that help optimize utility-scale solar power plant installation. In this role, you will contribute across the product development lifecycle—supporting concept development, detailed design, prototyping, and field validation—while working closely with cross-functional partners and learning from experienced technical leads.
Location & Travel
· Onsite role in Woodland/Davis, CA.
· Up to ~25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast, depending on development activities.
Responsibilities
· Support the design, prototyping, and installation of new or modified mechanical systems and components that improve deployment efficiency and reduce build time.
· Create and update 3D CAD models and 2D drawings; support tolerance analyses and apply GD&T on parts and assemblies.
· Iterate designs for performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability in collaboration with other engineers.
· Perform and/or support design analyses and hands-on validation using sound engineering practices (bench testing, basic calculations, structured test plans).
· Contribute to the product development workflow from concept through prototype builds, field testing, drawing release, and supplier coordination, under the guidance of a technical lead.
· Participate in design reviews, communicate clearly about risks/tradeoffs, and incorporate feedback quickly.
· Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve manufacturability or quality issues and implement improvements.
Minimum Qualifications
· BS in Mechanical Engineering.
· 2+ years of relevant experience (internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation, robotics, or related industrial equipment.
· Proficiency in CAD including 3D modeling and 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred) and a working understanding of GD&T fundamentals.
· Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and/or injection molding, with an interest in design-for-manufacture.
· Working knowledge (or strong interest) in motion components and actuation concepts (e.g., pneumatics, electric actuators, DC/stepper motors).
· Hands-on mindset: comfortable building, testing, troubleshooting, and learning in a fast-moving R&D environment.
· Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications
· Exposure to structural calculations on metal structures and/or basic FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation).
· Experience prototyping and debugging mechanical systems, especially automation/robotic systems.
· Familiarity with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools (e.g., FMEA).
· Interest or experience in utility-scale solar, construction equipment, heavy machinery, industrial/agricultural equipment, or adjacent fields.
· Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., AWS D1.1/D1.3, ASCE/SEI 7) is a plus.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
· BS in Mechanical Engineering.
· 2+ years of relevant experience (internships/co-ops count) in mechanical design, product development, mechatronics, automation, robotics, or related industrial equipment.
· Proficiency in CAD including 3D modeling and 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred) and a working understanding of GD&T fundamentals.
· Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as sheet metal forming, machining, casting, weldments, and/or injection molding, with an interest in design-for-manufacture.
· Working knowledge (or strong interest) in motion components and actuation concepts (e.g., pneumatics, electric actuators, DC/stepper motors).
· Hands-on mindset: comfortable building, testing, troubleshooting, and learning in a fast-moving R&D environment.
· Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications
· Exposure to structural calculations on metal structures and/or basic FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation).
· Experience prototyping and debugging mechanical systems, especially automation/robotic systems.
· Familiarity with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools (e.g., FMEA).
· Interest or experience in utility-scale solar, construction equipment, heavy machinery, industrial/agricultural equipment, or adjacent fields.
· Familiarity with relevant standards (e.g., AWS D1.1/D1.3, ASCE/SEI 7) is a plus.
Benefits
SALARY RANGE FOR POSITION
The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position. Actual compensation is influenced by many factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and dependent on the experience related to the job.
The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Davis, CA is $100,000 - $130,000 base salary per year.
An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.
Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third party recruitment agencies.