Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description:

Manufacturing Engineer Job Description

FrameworX Texas Factory Launch and Module Frames Production

Position

Manufacturing Engineer

Location

Texas

Focus

New factory launch

Production

Steel module frames

Experience

Minimum 15 years

Language

Chinese speaking required

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer will support the initial launch and production ramp of the FrameworX factory in Texas, manufacturing steel module frames with an emphasis on roll forming. This hands-on role will coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, process validation, and production readiness, then improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost. The engineer will work directly with Chinese-speaking equipment suppliers and cross-functional teams to resolve startup issues and establish reliable production.

Key Responsibilities

New Factory Launch and Equipment Startup

• Develop and execute equipment installation and commissioning plans, including milestones, acceptance criteria, readiness reviews, risk mitigation, and issue closure.
• Coordinate equipment layouts, utility requirements, installation sequencing, and contractor activities with facilities, maintenance, EHS, and suppliers.
• Support factory and site acceptance testing, dry runs, production trials, and capacity validation; document results and close supplier punch-list items.
• Verify machine guarding, interlocks, emergency stops, and hazardous energy controls with EHS and maintenance before releasing equipment for production.

Steel Module Frames and Roll Forming

• Establish process settings for coil handling, roll forming, punching, cutting, and downstream handling; verify tooling alignment, cut length, and dimensional consistency.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and controls issues with suppliers and maintenance; eliminate recurring equipment and process failures.
• Partner with quality to validate product dimensions, tolerances, surface condition, inspection methods, and process capability against engineering requirements.
• Develop standard work, setup sheets, process parameters, troubleshooting guides, and operator training; establish controlled production documentation.

Production Readiness and Continuous Improvement

• Track cycle time, throughput, first-pass yield, scrap, downtime, and overall equipment effectiveness; use data to remove constraints during ramp-up.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, mistake proofing, and quick changeover methods to improve productivity and material yield.
• Support process risk assessments, control plans, corrective actions, and design changes with R&D, quality, sourcing, and program management.
• Partner with maintenance on preventive maintenance, critical spare parts, equipment documentation, and handover; document startup lessons for future launches.

Supplier Collaboration and Team Development

• Conduct supplier technical reviews, commissioning, troubleshooting, and training in Chinese.
• Document supplier actions, owners, and due dates; escalate technical issues and launch risks.
• Train operators and technicians in safe operation, setup, and troubleshooting; verify production readiness.
• Support equipment specifications, capital project tracking, and acceptance records across supplier teams.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing equipment startup and production, including installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and sustained operations.
• New factory launch experience covering installation, process validation, and production ramp-up.
• Chinese-speaking proficiency sufficient to conduct technical discussions, equipment troubleshooting, and training with suppliers; effective English communication skills.
• Practical experience with steel products manufacturing and roll forming, including coil handling, tooling, line setup, dimensional controls, and defect resolution.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and interpret drawings, electrical schematics, manuals, and specifications.
• Experience with standard work, operator training, manufacturing data analysis, Lean, and root cause analysis.
• Ability to manage startup schedules and supplier issues while coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including China, and obtain a passport and Chinese visa.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, or electrical engineering, or equivalent relevant experience; Lean or Six Sigma training.
• Experience with automated steel processing, PLC and HMI diagnostics, CAD layouts, PFMEA, SPC, and capability studies;
• Bilingual English/Chinese preferred to facilities communication with technical support.

Work Location

This position is based onsite at the FrameworX factory in Texas, with regular work on the production floor. Startup activities may require flexible hours, support across shifts, and travel to equipment suppliers and other manufacturing sites.

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.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We are Nextpower