Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

About Nextpower

Nextpower is at the forefront of the energy transition, offering a comprehensive suite of intelligent solar tracker and control software solutions tailored for solar power plants. Our global teams enhance photovoltaic plant performance daily by leveraging smart technology, data monitoring, and analytical services. Sustainability lies at the core of our mission, guided by five pillars: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. Our diverse and passionate workforce is committed to developing smart solar and software solutions to reduce climate impact for future generations.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, based in our Riyadh office, reports directly to the Factory General Manager. This role is pivotal in developing and managing Nextpower's local supply chain, especially as local sourcing gains strategic importance. The Manufacturing Engineering team drives industrialization, ramp-up, and ongoing advancement of steel manufacturing processes and supplier networks. The specialist is tasked with defining, developing, and launching new or enhanced products or suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical qualification to support product launches, balancing quality, customer satisfaction, cost, and sustainability goals.
• Collaborate with product management, engineering, quality assurance, project and applications engineering, and suppliers to coordinate task plans and deliverables, aligned with program schedules and budgets.
• Identify and analyze manufacturing issues, proactively implementing improvements with demonstrable business benefits.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives for designated suppliers.
• Manage daily activities to ensure timely project and deliverable completion.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and equipment challenges; lead root cause analyses and corrective actions with proper documentation.
• Facilitate regular project meetings and update stakeholders on progress.
• Participate actively in meetings and development opportunities.
• Serve as an internal advocate for customer needs.
• Conduct frequent supplier visits to monitor execution and performance.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Strong negotiation capabilities.
• Familiarity with Saudi steel manufacturers, manufacturing processes, and regulatory environment.
• Hands-on experience in contract manufacturing (CM) or original equipment manufacturing (OEM), including at least two years collaborating with factories on process development, design for manufacturing (DFM), tooling readiness, and product launches.
• Proficiency in two or more processes such as stamping, drilling, laser cutting, tube bending, or welding.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple projects and suppliers in international, multicultural contexts.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate strategies effectively at executive levels, both written and verbal.
• Fluency in English and Arabic, with strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills to engage with remote teams and suppliers.
• Results-driven mindset with creativity in overcoming challenges.
• Capacity to operate autonomously and manage ambiguity with flexibility.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 8 to 10 years of experience in heavy steel fabrication, including equipment installation and ramping up production volumes.
• Experience working in multicultural environments.

Additional Information

Nextpower integrates clean energy technology by combining intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our portfolio accelerates project delivery and enhances performance and reliability, enabling customers to maximize solar power value. Our dedicated global teams revolutionize solar plant design, construction, and operations every day through smart technologies and data-driven insights.