Principal Engineer, Design Tools

Job Description:

Principal Engineer, Design Tools - Utility Scale Solar

Job Summary:

Array Technologies is a global leader in solar tracking systems, experiencing significant growth driven by our best-in-class technology and dynamic team. We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Engineer to lead the architecture, development, acquisition, and lifecycle management of software tools used by our Applications Engineering team. These tools are critical in supporting utility-scale solar tracker system design, project engineering execution, and proposal development. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical software expertise with a strong understanding of solar PV systems and applications engineering workflows. This role requires extensive collaboration with other Array Technologies teams and engineering contractors to ensure project goals are met on time and within budget. You will lead a small team of employees and contractors focused on design tool development and report to the Vice President of Applications Engineering.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Spearhead the creation of internal software platforms and tools that automate engineering operations and business processes, optimizing Array’s solar tracker product offering.

• Oversee the design tool roadmap, coordinating resource and budget estimates with Array’s Product Management team and their product roadmap.

• Engage with Applications Engineering stakeholders across multiple markets to develop design tools that meet business process and productivity requirements while generating the required engineering deliverables.

• Work closely with Array’s IT and product data management teams to facilitate code development and product data structure for long-term sustainability.

• Manage the creation of design requirements, functionality governing documents, sprint scopes of work, test scripts, and other control procedures for the development cycle.

• Develop and maintain advanced Excel tools and macros to facilitate solar mounting system design, analysis, and product configuration.

• Utilize programming languages such as VBA, Python, or MATLAB to enhance the functionality of Excel tools, macros, and in-house software platforms.

• Apply international building codes, standards, and engineering principles to analyze and design tracker structures, connections, and components using both analytical and computational methods.

• Support structured software testing individually and define test requirements, overseeing functional testing and UAT conducted by others.

• Participate in project meetings, provide technical input, and estimate timelines and levels of effort as required.

• Support deployment, training, and change management for engineering teams using the tools.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of industry standards, codes, and regulations related to solar mounting systems.

• Identify and propose innovative solutions to engineering challenges related to design process automation.

• Limited domestic travel may be needed (approx. 5%).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the engineering field, focusing on design.

• Strong programming skills with demonstrated experience in automating complex engineering operations.

• Working knowledge of national building code standards like ASCE, AISC, and IBC.

• Proficiency in 2D CAD tools, with AutoCAD preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate engineering needs into software functionality.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Familiarity with industry standards, codes, and regulations related to solar mounting systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

• Proficient in Excel macros and programming languages such as VBA, Python, or MATLAB, with Python highly preferred.

• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools, with SolidWorks preferred.

• Familiarity with CAD automation (AutoCAD APIs, scripting).

• Experience developing web-based and/or desktop applications, preferably used in technical or engineering environments.

• Knowledge of solar energy and photovoltaic systems.

• Experience with Agile or Scrum methodology.

At Array Tech, Inc., we strive to lead with our culture, and believe that our people are a key enabler of our future state. Our total rewards philosophy supports Array’s ability to attract, develop, and retain our employees. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and wellness programs that align with the local markets where we do business. 

Array Tech, Inc. offers equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or any other legally protected status.