Job Description:
Simulation Engineer
Job Overview
We are seeking a Simulation Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering Team. In this role, you will provide technical leadership in finite element analysis (FEA), thermal simulations, and multiphysics modeling for our solar tracker systems and related components. You will influence product design decisions, improve validation strategies, and ensure robust system performance under structural, thermal, and environmental conditions.
This position is ideal for professionals with 8+ years of experience in advanced simulation, capable of balancing technical depth with mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex simulations including nonlinear, dynamic, fatigue, buckling, contact, and multiphysics (thermal–structural coupling) analyses.
- Perform thermal simulations for components and systems, evaluating effects of solar heating, conduction, convection, and thermal cycling on material and system performance.
- Establish simulation standards and frameworks, ensuring global consistency across projects.
- Drive correlation activities between simulation and physical testing, refining predictive accuracy.
- Advise design teams by comparing alternative design concepts, identifying risks, and providing simulation-driven recommendations.
- Mentor and coach junior engineers in simulation methodologies, tools, and best practices.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, NPI, Test, Manufacturing, and global engineering teams.
- Support root cause investigations of field or test failures using advanced simulation methods.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- PhD in computational mechanics, thermal sciences, or similar is a plus.
Experience
- 8+ years of experience in FEA and multiphysics simulation roles.
- Proven track record in the renewable energy, aerospace, automotive, or heavy industrial sectors.
- Experience bridging simulation with test and field performance validation.
Technical Skills
- Expert-level proficiency with Ansys, Abaqus, or equivalent FEA software.
- Strong experience in thermal analysis and thermal–structural coupling.
- Skilled in CAD modeling workflows (SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, or similar).
- Deep understanding of materials, mechanics, fatigue, and environmental effects.
- Familiarity with scripting/automation (Python, MATLAB) for simulation workflows.
Language Skills
- Fluency in English (required).
- Portuguese (Native)
Soft Skills
- Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
- Excellent technical communication and reporting skills.
- Analytical mindset with innovation and problem-solving focus.
- Ability to operate in a global, cross-functional, and multicultural environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with solar tracker design or renewable energy hardware.
- Prior involvement in global product development projects.
- Knowledge of thermal fatigue, creep, and durability in large-scale mechanical systems.
- Exposure to cloud-based simulation environments and high-performance computing (HPC).
At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.
For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.
Culture is our Passion