Mechanical Design Engineer

~ SkyFuel, Inc. is a small, dynamic company located in Denver, Colorado that is the solar energy technology division of a large, international corporation. ~

SkyFuel's current solar technology includes SkyTrough and ReflecTech, both recognized as some of the most innovative products in the concentrating solar power (CSP) industry.

We are a CSP parabolic trough collector supplier with the goal to advance the state-of-the art in product design with operation at high temperatures (>500C) using molten salt as a heat transfer media. We are expanding our product design staff to support design, manufacture and installation of solar equipment and the accompanying complete steam power system that will be added to existing and new power plants that are built, owned, and operated by our parent organization.

Position Overview

The Mechanical Design Engineer will provide technical and design expertise for product development in several classic mechanical engineering disciplines including structural response, mechanical power transmission, dimensional analysis, and design for manufacturability. The Mechanical Design Engineer must assume design ownership through the prototype, test, modification, and product release cycle.

This position demands the application of academic training and knowledge gained from extensive experience to develop new designs that improve performance and reliability while continually reducing costs. Excellent communication and investigative skills are integral to the successful implementation of technology transfer, with appropriate material specifications and standards, to an Asian supply chain.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the position include product design and development, which include but are not limited to the following specific tasks:

• Create and modify CAD models, drawings, and complex assemblies using SolidWorks;
• Define functional product requirements and analyze designs based on static and dynamic structural performance, heat transfer principles, reliability, manufacturability, and ease of assembly;
• Select materials, define standard and geometric tolerancing, and clearly indicate the criteria and specifications that must be met for component and assembly performance;
• Establish testing plans and protocols, execute prototype designs, support testing personnel, oversee test execution, and summarize results;
• Lead performance and failure analyses to demonstrate product performance or determine root cause and develop corrective actions;
• Write product memoranda, operating manuals, assembly instructions, quality control procedures, and safety precautions for internal staff, vendors, and customers; 
• Document changes and modifications in a formal engineering change procedure; and
• Communicate changes internally and externally and maintain bills of materials, procedural revisions, inventory, and purchasing systems.

The Mechanical Design Engineer will also assist related disciplines such as supply chain development, controls, manufacturing, and process thermal power transmission. Those tasks will include:

• Preparation of bid solicitations for component and tooling purchase both domestically and internationally;
• Review of vendor responses, repeatability analysis of proposed tooling and fabrication procedures, and vendor qualification;
• Description of motion control algorithms that achieve performance requirements and protect actuators, mechanical, and hydraulic systems;
• Selection of manufacturing processes that meet both production demands and product specifications; 
• Functional instrumentation, equipment, and procedural; and
• In addition to technical responsibility, the Mechanical Design Engineer must present product designs at internal reviews, translate design improvements into financial returns, and present designs and results before clients, investors, and at technical conferences.

Qualifications

• At a minimum, BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited university;
• 5-10 years of work experience in the field of product design. Secondary industry experience of interest includes manufacturing and field assembly;
• Extensive experience in the use of the SolidWorks suite for product design and analysis is required;
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite is essential;
• The use and practice of additional programs such as MATLAB, LabView, or other technical software is an advantage;
• Demonstrated excellence and confidence in engineering problem solving, design, leadership and procedural development;
• Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration and organizational skills;
• Fluency in Mandarin is a substantial plus;
• Some domestic and international travel (<15%) is required. US Citizenship, H1B visa, or green card is mandatory; 
• Applicants must be currently located in the Denver metropolitan area; and
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Compensation: SkyFuel, Inc. offers an excellent benefits package with company paid health insurance for employees and dependents, 3 weeks of vacation, personal days, paid holidays, continuing education, flexible working schedules, and wellness/healthy living reimbursements.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should please click "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter specifically written to address the job requirements of the position and a resume. Phone calls will not be accepted.