Product Development Engineer � Wire Management

?? Onsite | Chapel Hill, NC (relocating to Timberlake, NC late 2026)

?? Full-Time | Exempt

?? Department: BESS

About the Role

We are seeking a Product Development Engineer to design, prototype, test, and commercialize wire management components for utility-scale solar plants. You will own the full product lifecycle�from concept and materials selection through validation, certification, supplier launch, and cost optimization. This role requires strong mechanical design skills, materials expertise (polymers & metals), and an understanding of outdoor solar field environments.

What You�ll Do

• Lead concept-to-launch development of clips, hangers, strain reliefs, conduit/tray accessories, and other wire management hardware.
• Translate field pain points and codes into PRDs, specs, and acceptance criteria.
• Create 3D models and drawings (SolidWorks/Inventor/Creo); manage ECNs and revisions.
• Select materials suited for UV, thermal cycling, corrosion, and long-term outdoor durability.
• Perform basic simulations (FEA, snap-fit, fatigue, thermal expansion, vibration).
• Develop and run validation tests: retention force, impact, UV/weathering, thermal cycling, corrosion.
• Support compliance to NEC 690/310 and relevant UL/IEC standards (UL 2239, UL 1565, UL 746C, etc.).
• Conduct site visits, pilot installs, and A/B trials; gather installer feedback and refine designs.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and implement corrective redesigns.
• Work with suppliers on tooling (injection molding, stamping), PPAP/FAI, QC plans, and cost reduction.
• Produce installation guides, spec sheets, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, structural, supply chain, QA, and EHS teams.
• Contribute to IP development and competitive benchmarking.

What You Bring

• Bachelor�s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials/Polymer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (Master�s preferred).
• 3�7+ years developing outdoor hardware or similar products (solar experience preferred).
• Strong CAD skills and experience designing clips/snaps/hooks or plastic/metal components.
• Knowledge of polymers, metals, coatings, and environmental durability.
• Experience with testing, validation, and interpreting UL/IEC/NEC requirements.
• Proven track record taking products from concept through tooling and production.

Nice to Have

• Experience with injection molding, stamping, surface treatments, and rapid prototyping.
• Familiarity with tracker motion, wind-induced vibration, and cable motion envelopes.
• Basic FEA, tolerance stacks, grounding/bonding, and corrosion knowledge.
• Experience with PPAP, APQP, PFMEA, Lean/Six Sigma.
• Strong technical writing skills for guides and test reports.
• Experience contributing to patent filings.

Success Metrics

• Prototype and qualification cycle time
• First-pass yield & field reliability
• Installed cost & labor time reduction
• On-time certifications and supplier readiness
• EPC/Customer adoption
• IP generation & competitive differentiation

Work Environment

• 100% onsite role
• Office setting with 10�25% travel (suppliers, labs, field pilots)
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship)