Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Job Description:

Job Title: Manager, Mechanical Engineering (China)

Company: NextPower

Location: Suzhou / Wuxi, China

Reports To: Director, Mechanical Engineering

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Position Summary

NextPower is seeking a Manager, Mechanical Engineering to lead and expand our regional mechanical engineering team in China. This role is responsible for building and managing a high-performing team to support regional activities focused on steel frame systems, including research & development, validation, and testing. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership capability and experience in scaling engineering teams.

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Key Responsibilities

• Establish, lead, and grow the regional Mechanical Engineering team to support business objectives in China and APAC
• Drive design, development, and optimization of steel frame structures and related mechanical systems
• Oversee R&D initiatives, including concept development, prototyping, and design validation
• Lead testing activities, ensuring products meet performance, quality, and regulatory standards
• Collaborate closely with global engineering teams to align on design standards, best practices, and innovation strategies
• Support localization efforts, adapting global designs to meet regional requirements and manufacturing capabilities
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful execution
• Partner with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to ensure seamless product development and launch
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering talent, fostering a strong team culture and technical excellence
• Stay current on industry trends, materials, and technologies related to steel structures and mechanical systems

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Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 8–12+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on structural or steel frame design
• Proven leadership experience, including hiring and developing engineering teams
• Strong background in R&D and product testing/validation
• Experience working in a global organization with cross-regional collaboration
• Familiarity with relevant engineering tools (e.g., CAD, FEA/structural analysis software)
• Knowledge of Chinese and international engineering standards and regulations
• Excellent communication skills in both Mandarin and English

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in industries such as renewable energy, construction systems, or industrial equipment
• Demonstrated success in scaling teams or establishing new engineering functions
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a hands-on approach
• Experience with solar tracker systems, module frames, or similar structures
• Skilled in working in or managing operations in China
• Proficient in speaking English

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What Success Looks Like

• A fully staffed and high-performing regional mechanical engineering team
• Successful execution of R&D and testing programs for steel frame products
• Strong alignment and collaboration with global engineering leadership
• Delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and regionally optimized solutions

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

We are Nextpower