Robotics Hardware Engineer - Solar

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

Embark on an exciting journey with AES as we pioneer the future of energy through Maximo, our innovative growth venture. Maximo, propelled by an AI-enabled robot, is transforming the construction of solar projects by expediting their completion. As a pivotal contributor to our mission of scaling solar energy production at an unparalleled pace, Maximo is leading the charge to meet the urgent global demand for net-zero emissions. Maximo team members are firm believers that accelerating decarbonization necessitates audacious actions, empowering the world to fulfill future needs.

Job Description

As a Robotics Hardware Engineer in the Maximo team, you will lead the development of advanced robotics systems and components. You will be a key player in the development of the whole robotics HW that enables Maximo, our solar module installation robotic system. Duties will include designing, developing, and integrating complex robotics systems, as well as leading the technical roadmap for the Robotics hardware aligned with our vision and Product Roadmap.

A successful candidate has a strong technical understanding of industrial robotics system hardware design, combined with experience with a 0 to 1 as well as scaling robotics products. They will be entrepreneurial, mission-driven individuals responsible for actively progressing, developing, and executing the technical vision of the solar module installation robotic system. This person will be responsible for the definition, design, development, and improvement of complex mechanical systems such as robotics applications, heavy machinery, trailers, vehicles, and ruggedized products, in close collaboration with robotics, controls, and vision/AI engineers.

As one of the engineering leaders at Maximo, this position will work collaboratively across the Maximo team, external industry partners across the value chain, and AES teams, including engineering, business development, construction, finance, supply chain, and strategy.

Maximo team members believe that accelerating decarbonization requires bold action, enabling AES to perform as an industry leader today and evolve to meet future needs while advancing the market for the greater good. The Maximo team embodies AES’ thought leadership through agility, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Major Responsibilities

- Lead the mechanical design and development of advanced robotic systems, including components, subsystems, and assemblies, ensuring high quality, reliability, and manufacturability.

- Develop, design, or modify mechanical engineering layouts/schematics and/or detailed drawings/specifications of difficult scope.

- Translate product level requirements into subsystem/module/component technical design criteria.

- Perform detailed mechanical design and analysis, including stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and motion analysis.

- Own engineering release of subsystem design including component and module CAD (Computer Aided Design), Drawings, and BOMs (Bill of Materials).

- Develop and capture knowledge required to deliver subsystem level excellence through Design Guides, FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis), DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report), A3’s, Tolerance Stack Ups, and other documents.

- Derive from the Product and capability roadmaps a technical plan enabling expected performance and specifications.

- Coordinate prototype build plans to evaluate design concepts through physical lab testing.

- Apply systems safety methodologies as defined by industry standards.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software engineers, and control engineers, to ensure seamless integration of mechanical components.

- Oversee the prototyping, testing, and validation of mechanical designs.

- Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and performance.

- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.

- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in robotics and mechanical engineering to drive innovation and improve product performance.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

- 10+ years of experience in hardware design and development of robotic systems.

- Proven track record of successfully delivering complex robotic systems to market.

- Expert knowledge of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.

- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX).

- Demonstrated ability, either through previous projects, advanced education/research, and/or knowledge of the robotics field

- Familiarity with regulatory compliance (e.g., CE, FCC, UL), safety standards, risk assessment, product definition (sensors, power and electronics components)

- Excellent problem-solving, analytical skills and troubleshooting skills.

- Skill and Behavior: Capability to work dynamically and collaboratively across multiple teams in a fast-paced and technical business environment with minimal supervision. Excellent communication skills. Results-oriented, “can-do” attitude, and “get things done” mentality; comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity; no compromise on attention to quality and details.

- Technology fluency: Demonstrated ability to understand solar engineering and technology concepts, question assumptions, and make informed product and technology decisions. Technical understanding of automation, robotics, computer vision, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence is a plus.

Be a part of the change and join Maximo at AES!

Start Date: ASAP

Travel: 25% travel

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.