Director of Quality

Company Overview
Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.

Position Overview

Nevados is seeking an experienced Quality leader to be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing quality programs to ensure production of high-quality solar tracking systems that meet all engineering requirements. This role is focused on building and maintaining quality standards, conducting inspections, leading quality improvement activates, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive process excellence. This person is a self-starter that can manage time effectively and meet the expectations of KPI’s.

Location: Hybrid/Remote–Expectation to be in the Oakland HQ with requirements for travel with on-site meetings at suppliers & customers as needed. Travel expected :10%. Ideal candidates are self-starters who are able to direct and manage their time wisely.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Create and manage Key Initiatives and Key Performance Indicators that will drive Quality excellence
• Expand and maintain Quality Management Systems spanning our entire supply chain that includes cast and formed metal parts, injection molded parts, solar modules, and custom electronics assemblies
• Create and manage quality standards for solar tracking system manufacturing processes.
• Oversee quality control processes, material inspection, in-process inspections, and final product including management of 3rd party inspectors
• Develop and maintain quality assurance document to prevent defects, deviations, and non-conformities
• Manage supplier quality auditing and new supplier quality onboarding.
• Contribute to NPI process with engineering team to design for Quality.
• Create comprehensive documentation of quality processes, procedures, and records
• Be able to travel visit installation sites and audit suppliers
• Manage 8D process
• Grow the quality team to support supply chain and engineering teams
• Create and maintain quality documentation such as: FAI, CAPA Process & Form, CAPA Form, QC inspection Process, Supplier Non-conformance management, Document Control, PQPs, and Quality Standards for manufacturing
• Recommend and implement size/scale-appropriate QMS tools such as dashboards, QMS software etc
  
  
  
  
  

The role is not limited to these activities and opportunities will arise to take on additional responsibilities. The individual will work collaboratively with the supply chain team, field and construction teams, engineering, sales, leadership, customers and Nevados suppliers.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in quality management, preferably in the solar industry or a related field
• Knowledge of quality management systems and relevant standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
• Extensive experience with Supplier Audits
• Experience in Solar or renewable energy industry is a major plus
• 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Implementation or admin of TQM software (e.g. Arena)
• Technical proficiency in quality related to:
• metal manufacturing processes including weldments, roll-forming, progressive die forming, diecasting etc.
• Injection-molded plastics
• Electronics manufacturing
  
  
  
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Troubleshooting expertise with ability to systematically approach issues, diagnose and correct
• Applied experience with manufacturing and testing practices
• Ability to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines with minimal or no supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Process and documentation oriented
• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as well as outside customers and vendors
• Leadership and team skills (ability to build and maintain cross-functional and cross-regional relationships)
• Strategic focus, with ability to convert strategy into executable plans and drive results.
• Planning, organizing, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong communication skills
• Computer and Microsoft Suite proficiency
• Netsuite or Oracle ERP is a plus
• Arena PLM/QMS or similar
  
  
  
  
  

Actual base salary may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Benefits & Total Compensation Package
Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, and equity commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees are provided medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, and unlimited PTO, with additional benefit offerings as we continue to grow.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as a requirement of the role, candidates must be willing to travel at least 10-20% of the time for company off-sites, conferences, trade shows, site visits, and other potential events as needed.

Don't meet every qualification listed in the job posting above? Apply anyways! Nevados is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building a more inclusive ecosystem that integrates women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups into the cleantech sector and the overall tech industry. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals and members of underrepresented groups, even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly. You might be a fit for this role or another open position.

Interview Process

At Nevados, our interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and our team. It typically entails 3-5 conversations over the course of 3-4 weeks. This timeline and format may vary based on the role as well as availability of team members and the candidate. The process is subject to change at any time.

Phone Screen: An initial call with Recruiting to discuss your background, expectations, and interest in the role.

Discussions with Hiring Managers: In-depth calls with hiring managers/team members to assess your technical skills and fit.

Cross Functional Team Member Interviews: Meetings to gauge team dynamics and working style.

Executive Leadership Conversations: Discussions with our executive team to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals and vision.

Professional Reference Checks: The final step before an offer involves contacting your provided professional references to verify your qualifications and past performance.

We look forward to getting to know you better and exploring the possibility of you joining our team!