Product Applications Engineer

Nextracker • Oxnard, CA

3d • $90,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Position Overview / Role Purpose The Product Applications Engineer plays a critical role in validating the performance, manufacturability, and market readiness of Nextpower's mechanical and electro-mechanical components. This role ensures new products, updated designs, and components from new vendors meet Nextpower's stringent engineering, quality, and installation requirements. By conducting Form-Fit-Function (FFF) testing, evaluating new design revisions, and executing vendor qualification testing, the Product Applications Engineer enables Nextpower to remain competitive, improve product reliability, and accelerate successful go-to-market (GTM) launches. This role partners closely with R D Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Field Applications teams to resolve design risks early and deliver customer-ready solutions. Key Objectives Validate New Products: Ensure new product concepts and prototypes satisfy engineering requirements, customer needs, installation expectations, and safety standards. Test and Approve Updated Designs of Existing Offerings: Confirm revisions to existing components or assemblies maintain or improve system reliability, manufacturability, and compatibility with adjacent parts. Qualify New Vendors and Manufacturing Sources: Assess whether new suppliers can consistently meet Nextpower's design specifications, quality requirements, and manufacturing standards.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in product testing, mechanical systems, quality engineering, or related field; or a BA/BS in engineering or related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Hands-on experience with measurement and testing tools, including torque tools, Skidmore, 3D scanners, thread gauges, and calipers.
• Familiarity with Arena, Jira, SolidWorks/CAD systems.
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 lbs. and work in outdoor R D field environments.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Nextpower products is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• New Product Testing & Validation Conduct Form-Fit-Function testing on new concepts, prototypes, and pre-production assemblies to confirm alignment with design intent.
• Build representative test setups in the R D yard to simulate installation and operational conditions.
• Evaluate whether product notes, installation manuals, and engineering requirements are sufficient and accurate.
• Identify design gaps or failure modes and partner with R D engineering to resolve issues prior to GTM launch.
• Perform safety evaluations on new designs, verifying compliance with internal and industry standards.
• Document all test results through structured data collection, analysis, and professional test reports.
• Testing of Updated / Revised Designs Validate updated designs of existing products to ensure manufacturability, mechanical performance, and compatibility with system interfaces.
• Review updated drawings, specifications, and product notes for completeness and ability to achieve design goals.
• Test individual parts and full assemblies to confirm they meet functional requirements and installation procedures.
• Provide recommendations for improving installation instructions, product notes, or design features based on test outcomes.
• Replicate customer-reported issues in the R D yard and develop data-driven, field-ready solutions.
• Vendor Qualification & Supplier Assessment Conduct Form-Fit-Function testing on first-article parts from new vendors to verify compliance with Nextpower specifications.
• Verify adherence to drawings, product notes, and specifications for dimensional accuracy and compatibility with adjacent components.
• Travel to vendor facilities for onsite inspections, test reviews, and pre-production validations as needed.
• Provide structured test feedback to Supply Chain, Vendor Quality, and Engineering to support vendor qualification decisions.
• Support R D tracker installation sites by assisting with test setup, construction activities, and data gathering.
• Lead or assist in building test fixtures or partial product assemblies for evaluation.
• Coordinate testing priorities with cross-functional teams and communicate status updates clearly.
• Review, update, and validate installation manuals to ensure accuracy and alignment with tested results.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion under tight schedules.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety during all testing, construction, and field activities.

Benefits

• Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more.
• Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation.
• All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents.
• For more information on Nextpower's benefits please view our company website at www.nextpower.com.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees