Application Engineering Manager - Europe
Send resumes to Daniel Priem at daniel.priem@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
The Applications Engineering Manager will be responsible for developing, leading and managing technical support services, field support and technical trainings for the European operations of a leading and revolutionary photovoltaic mounting company. Primary responsibilities will be as follows:
- Deliver world-class technical support to customers and strategic partners for all key markets in the EU.
- Develop and deliver training curriculum to ensure partners and customers have core competencies to successfully design and install Zep Solar photovoltaic mounting systems.
- Provide and manage on-the-job installation support for key customers to ensure successful adoption of new products.
- Analyze, review and create system designs using proprietary wind load and structural design tools as well as CAD software.
- Create processes and procedures to document, track and analyze customer communications through company CRM.
- Manage a growing team of applications engineers and technical trainers for the European markets.
- Work closely with product development to oversee product evaluations and provide feedback on the company’s offerings with respect to market requirements and request throughout Europe.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- 3+ years of PV design and installation experience.
- 2+ years working in a technical customer support role with strong customer focused attitude.
- Exceptional computer skills (AutoCAD, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, etc).
- Professional and able to work independently and as a team player.
- Experience working with licensed contractors.
- Management skills with experience supervising and mentoring a team.
- Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
- Fluent in German and English.
Desired Skills
- Strong background in construction (carpentry, roofing, electrical).
- Familiarity with EuroCode and Electrical Code.
- Published author of technical documents (please provide samples).
- Language skills in other EU languages (Italian, Spanish, French).
Other Details
- This position is based in Hamburg, Germany.
- Up to 50% domestic and international travel to licensee partner, distributer and installation sites.
Purchasing Specialist/Guru
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
In this dynamic and exciting position the Purchasing Specialist/Guru will assist the Manufacturing Operations team with strategic sourcing/procurement, engineering and manufacturing interfaces, issuing and evaluating RFQs, PO’s, etc., contract issues and negotiations, cost reduction opportunities and overall supplier management. A successful candidate must have proven experience in all aspects of purchasing/procurement on a global basis; is highly motivated, self-starter, organized and detail oriented, communicates with ease at all levels, excellent written and verbal skills and thrives in ambiguous and fast paced environments.
- Support Manufacturing and Engineering to identify suppliers available for sourcing.
- Issue RFQs to multiple suppliers for multiple commodities (NA, Canada and Asia)
- Review, analyze and clarify quote packages from suppliers.
- Support strategic sourcing approval process and supplier selection process.
- Monitor the cost, schedule, and performance factors of major subcontractors.
- Coordinate with other departments to determine materials needed and schedules to be met (i.e. engineering, manufacturing, shipping/receiving).
- Issue PO’s for Prototype Parts and Prototype/Production Tooling, high volume production and commodity price changes.
- Identify and negotiate production cost reduction opportunities.
- Negotiate cost changes related to product design changes.
- Work with Suppliers, Engineering and Material Planning to release parts into production.
- Work with QA to identify “qualified” suppliers and drive continuous quality improvements.
- Develop commodity sourcing strategies and sourcing efficiencies.
- Manage freight/logistics suppliers.
- Work on “Lean” initiatives and identify other sourcing efficiencies via benchmarking, competitive quotes and resourcing.
- Maintain day-to-day supplier relationships; point of contact for all supplier and sub-supplier issues.
- Maintain communications between purchasing, engineering, and manufacturing regarding inventory levels.
- Evaluate price trends, new products and manufacturing processes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
- 3-7 yrs direct hands experience in business / purchasing/supply chain. APIC or CPSM certification a plus.
- Open-minded, flexible, self starter with the ability to adapt, improvise and problem solve in a dynamic startup environment.
- Strong Excel background, experience with SAP or other ERP or MRP purchasing systems.
- Solar or Automotive experience preferred, specializing in procurement of fabricated mechanical parts and metal fabrication suppliers.
- Good understanding of change order management and configuration management.
- Direct experience in procuring and managing freight in NA and Asia.
- Ability to work independently on multiple tasks and projects, with various teams including engineers and supply chain personnel.
- Works well in an unstructured, fast-paced environment; makes progress without necessarily being given detailed direction.
- Good negotiation, written and verbal skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
- Team player and with strong interpersonal skills.
Applications Engineer
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
- Provide world-class technical support to all customers and strategic partners in the US and Canada.
- Create systems designs using CAD and other computer design programs.
- Respond to technical questions via email and phone in a timely and professional manner.
- Document and track all customer communications through CRM.
- Assist in the development of new customer-facing design tools.
- Create and distribute technical documents and materials.
- Provide on-site field support as needed for advanced escalations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- 1 to 3 years PV industry experience in Applications or Tech Support.
- CAD skills – proficient in AutoCAD or Vector Works.
- Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
- Professional and able to work independently and as a team player.
- Exceptional computer skills (Excel, PPT, Vector Works, etc).
Desired Skills
- NABCEP Certified PV Installer.
- PV system design and hands on installation experience, especially with various PV mounting systems
- Knowledge of ASCE 7-05 and the IBC.
- Knowledge of Salesforce.
- Language skills in German, Italian, or Spanish.
Accounting Specialist
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
We have an immediate opening for a fulltime Accounting Specialist that can excel in a busy solar engineering and manufacturing company in San Rafael. Candidates will possess a strong understanding of bookkeeping for manufacturing operations (which includes AR, AP, Inventories and Purchasing). In addition, this candidate will be a trustworthy and organized person with a desire to work in the field of Solar Energy.
- Interface between the Product Testing Lab/ Warehouse and the Corporate offices in regards to accounting and shipping/receiving matters.
- Post and reconcile various accounting transactions (AP, Credit Card receipts and statements, Invoicing, Sales Orders, Inventory Adjustments, etc.).
- Provide backup administrative support.
Minimum Qualifications
- Several years of experience with hands on bookkeeping. Good knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, payroll and inventories. An understanding of multi-currency transactions will be helpful.
- General ledger experience desirable
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Outlook and Word).
- Excellent Microsoft Excel skills (capable of creating, formatting and editing multi-sheet spreadsheets).
- Experience with manufacturing and/or inventory.
- Hands on experience with Quickbooks accounting and manufacturing software.
- Exceptionally organized with the ability to prioritize tasks and effectively communicate various concepts. Detail oriented.
Other Details
- Please email resume and references along with a cover letter outlining the number of years of your experience in accounting, software used, a summary of your achievements and your expected date of availability.
Applications Engineer - Australia
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
The Applications Engineer will be responsible for developing and leading technical support services, field support and technical trainings for the Australian operations of a leading and revolutionary photovoltaic mounting company. Primary responsibilities will be as follows:
- Deliver world-class technical support to customers and strategic partners for all states in Australia.
- Develop and deliver training curriculum to ensure partners and customers have core competencies to successfully design and install Zep Solar/Trinamount photovoltaic mounting systems.
- Provide on-the-job installation support for key customers to ensure successful adoption of new products.
- Analyze, review and create system designs using proprietary wind load and structural design tools as well as CAD software.
- Document, track and analyze customer communications through company CRM.
- Work closely with product development to oversee product evaluations and provide feedback on the company's offerings with respect to market requirements and request throughout Australia.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- 2+ years of PV design and installation experience.
- 1+ year working in a technical customer support role with strong customer focused attitude.
- Exceptional computer skills (AutoCAD, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, etc).
- Professional and able to work independently and as a team player.
- Experience working with licensed contractors.
- Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written.
Desired Skills
- Strong background in construction (carpentry, roofing, electrical).
- Published author of technical documents (please provide samples).
- Familiarity with Australian Wind Code and Australian PV Standards.
- Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer.
Other Details
- This position is initially based at home in any major Australian City.
- Up to 60% domestic travel to licensee partner, distributor and installation sites.
- Orientation and training provided at company headquarters in San Rafael, California.
Engineering Intern
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
- Gain valuable experience in the solar industry with this dynamic start-up.
- Assist in research and design development of solar equipment.
- Physical work in R&D Lab assisting with solar array testing, demonstrations, and manufacturing.
Minimum Qualifications
- Training in the solar industry and/or engineering student or recent grad.
Product Development Engineer
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
Zep Solar is seeking a qualified Product Development Engineer to join the team in the continuous innovation of photovoltaic system mounting equipment and accessories.
- Design, engineer, and develop solar mounting system hardware and accessories.
- Create detailed 3-D models, CAD drawings, and specifications.
- Design programs to simulate stress/strain using FEA.
- Coordinate with Product Develoment team, Applications Engineering Dept and Test Engineers to integrate feedback into design development.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing Dept to evaluate manufacturability, cost issues, and other criteria.
- Participate in research, development and testing projects.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
- 1 - 3 years design experience PV system mounting hardware or related products.
- Experience with metal machining and manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of and experience with different metals and alloys.
- Must be very proficient in Solidworks and CAD software.
- Experience and/or education in solar energy desirable.
- Ability to take on responsibility, thrive under tight deadlines, and work well with a team.
Technical Writer
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
The Technical Writer will be responsible for creating, editing and managing all technical publications including installation manuals, quick start guides, technical notes and design guidelines for a fast growing solar manufacturer. Primary responsibilities will be as follows:
- Analyze existing documentation and perform a needs assessment to prioritize tasks and develop completion timelines.
- Create standardized templates for all documents and verify that all materials adhere to company style guidelines.
- Work with subject matter experts to develop clear, concise materials.
- Consistently deliver high quality materials that are accurate, on time and under budget.
- Develop and administer document management and quality control processes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in English, Journalism, or related field.
- Excellent writing, verbal communication and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to translate technical concepts into easily understood documents specifically tailored for the intended audience (samples required).
- Ability to work with aggressive deadlines and tailor deliverables accordingly.
- Exceptional computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc).
- Self-starter with a track record of being able to drive projects to completion with minimal supervision.
- Experience with 3D modeling programs.
Desired Skills
- Technical degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
- Basic foundation knowledge of photovoltaic systems.
- Experience with Solidworks.
- Previous work in developing online training materials.
Please be prepared to provide a portfolio with writing samples in electronic format. Your portfolio must demonstrate the ability to organize information appropriately and exemplify consistency in writing style.
Test Engineer
Send resumes to Christina Manansala at christina@zepsolar.com. Email only, no calls will be taken.
Job Summary
Test Engineers with Zep Solar provide valuable prototype, product, and systems test data to help shape the design development process for solar mounting systems. Test Engineers work in Zep's Research and Development Lab to design testing techniques and protocol, conduct hands-on tests, and evaluate/interpret the data. Duties include:
- Coordinate with Product Development and Application Engineering departments to help develop testing methods for products and systems.
- Design, build, and implement product and system tests.
- Compile, organize, and archive test data.
- Create and present test reports.
- Organize and maintain test equipment and materials.
- Coordinate with design engineers to incorporate test results.
- Coordinate with manufacturing partners for product testing.
Minimum Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering or related field.
- 2-3 years of experience in product testing of mechanical systems.
- Solar industry experience preferred.
- Experience with building or structural construction.
- Ability to conduct physically demanding test activities.