Manager, Foundation Engineering

Nextpower•San Rafael, CA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

Nextpower is seeking a Manager of Foundation Services to join its Project Engineering Team in the Fremont, California office, supporting key accounts across the United States. The position manages the structural engineering team for utility-scale photovoltaic projects, from development through construction. Work includes steel design and component sizing, foundation calculations, advanced structural tool development, and preparation of structural documentation for project quotations and engineering packages. The role coordinates closely with cross-functional teams in the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and other global offices, including Sales, Project Management, Mechanical Engineering, and R&D. It also works with EPC customers and structural engineer-of-record partners throughout project design. The position is hybrid, with four days in the office and one day remote, and is based in Fremont or San Rafael, California.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
At least 8 years of structural engineering experience, ideally in the EPC solar industry.
Hands-on structural analysis and design experience, including dead, live, snow, wind, and seismic loads; steel and concrete structures; and construction documents.
Advanced proficiency with structural and geotechnical analysis software, including Risa 3D, Staad, and Lpile.
Experience with static and dynamic structural analysis of solar tracker structures.
Experience with single foundation design and A-frame foundations.
Experience with Earth Truss foundation systems and preparing complete foundation packages.
Strong knowledge of engineering standards, codes, and applicable state and federal guidelines, including IBC, ASCE, ASTM, AISC, AISI, and ACI.
Professional Engineering (PE) license in multiple states.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and resolve design challenges.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a team-oriented and self-driven approach.

Nice To Haves

Experience in software development, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence.
Passion for renewable energy and solar power.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of Structural Engineers in the United States and support regions.
Perform detailed structural analysis and calculations to ensure solar structures meet project-specific integrity and safety requirements.
Develop advanced foundation analysis tools in coordination with R&D and software teams.
Lead structural engineering efforts for multiple projects, ensuring timely and efficient delivery to EPC customers.
Ensure structural designs comply with local, state, and federal regulations and industry standards.
Coordinate with project managers and engineers from various companies to align structural design with overall project objectives.
Manage relationships between EPC customers and structural EOR partners throughout the project design lifecycle, with direction from the engineering manager.
Work cross-functionally with Applications Engineering and Testing, Product Development, Machines, and Business Development.
Support process improvement and team development efforts to contribute to the growth of the Design Services team.