Sr. Applications Engineer

Nextpower•San Rafael, CA

2d•$120,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly hands-on Sr. Applications Engineer to support the transition of newly designed construction equipment from engineering prototypes to reliable, field-ready products. This role combines mechanical expertise, prototype installation, field validation, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration. The position is primarily focused on hands-on prototype development, field installation, commissioning, testing, and practical product improvement. The successful candidate will work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, service, field operations, suppliers, customers, and technical publications teams. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with heavy construction equipment in demanding field environments and can move effectively between hands-on mechanical work in the field and technical collaboration in an office setting.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in relevant field or 12 years of hands-on experience without a degree
8 years of hands-on experience working with heavy equipment, construction machinery, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, military equipment, or similar complex mechanical systems.
Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.
Experience with mechanical systems such as hydraulics, power transmission, structural assemblies, bearings, cylinders, fasteners, and mobile equipment.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, hydraulic schematics, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals.
Demonstrated ability to identify practical design problems and recommend effective improvements.
Comfortable installing, modifying, testing, and troubleshooting prototype equipment.
Experience operating construction equipment and working safely around large mobile machinery.
Ability to drive trucks and tow equipment or trailers as required.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both field personnel and office-based technical teams.
Ability to work independently in changing and sometimes incomplete prototype environments.
Willingness and ability to travel significantly, up to 20 weeks per year, and work at active construction sites.
Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Ability to meet the physical demands of field work, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with New Product Introduction, prototype development, commissioning, product validation, or sustaining engineering.
Experience working directly with design engineers to improve equipment based on field observations.
Experience with construction equipment used for drilling, pile driving, grading, material handling, lifting, or solar installation.
Welding, fabrication, machining, or field modification experience.
Experience with diesel engines, mobile hydraulics, electrohydraulic systems, sensors, and machine controls.
Experience writing or reviewing service procedures, installation instructions, inspection checklists, or operator manuals.
Experience training mechanics, operators, field technicians, or customers.
Technical degree, vocational training, military technical training, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

Review new equipment designs for serviceability, installation practicality, safety, and field performance.
Participate in design reviews and provide practical recommendations based on hands-on experience.
Inspect newly built prototypes and identify mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, controls, and assembly issues.
Install, assemble, modify, and commission prototype construction equipment.
Develop and recommend design improvements to increase reliability, maintainability, safety, performance, and ease of installation.
Perform field installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and validation testing of improved prototypes.
Operate construction equipment and support testing under realistic job-site conditions.
Drive trucks and tow equipment or trailers as required for prototype installation and field testing.
Work directly with mechanics, operators, field technicians, project personnel, suppliers, and customers to understand equipment performance and usability.
Document installation procedures, test results, design issues, recommended changes, and lessons learned.
Help establish installation, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operating procedures.
Provide subject matter expertise to the technical publications team in the development of user manuals, installation manuals, service manuals, troubleshooting guides, and other product documentation.
Review technical publications for accuracy, clarity, practicality, and alignment with actual equipment behavior.
Assist with photographs, illustrations, measurements, field procedures, and step-by-step instructions used in technical documentation.
Support training development for mechanics, operators, field technicians, and customers.
Communicate field findings clearly to engineering and program management teams.
Travel to construction sites, suppliers, manufacturing facilities, prototype test locations, and customer locations.
Follow all applicable safety policies and promote safe work practices around heavy equipment and prototype machinery.