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CAREERS AT NORTHERN POWER

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Careers at Northern Power Systems

Northern Power Systems provides our global customers with reliable and cost-effective renewable energy solutions that save money and reduce environmental impact. From our gearless, direct drive Northwind 100 kW turbines to power electronics and controls for high-power applications, Northern Power is committed to extending today’s resources and creating tomorrow’s choices.

We have many exciting opportunities in the expanding wind power industry:

Market Development Director - Europe

Strategic Sourcing Manager

Lead Generation and Qualification Supervisor

Electromechanical Systems Supplier Quality & Development Specialist

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

Structural Dynamics & Controls Engineer

Field Operations Site Supervisor

Buyer/Planner

Market Development Director, Europe

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Open to: EU or EFTA citizens

Reports to: Managing Director, Europe

Northern Power Systems is a leading global wind turbine manufacturer with breakthrough permanent magnet direct drive technology. Northern currently sells its gearless, direct drive Northwind 100 turbine into the Small Wind market for on-site generation of wind power.

We are expanding our presence in Zurich and are looking for a Market Development Director, Europe. You will be responsible to obtain market intelligence, identify and prioritize key growth markets and help develop go to market strategies. You are expected to actively engage key stakeholders in order to identify key market drivers and prioritizing market opportunities for the Northwind 100.

The Market Development Director must be able to articulate a pan-European growth strategy and set of actionable tactics. In this role you will work closely with our Market Intelligence team in the US as well as Sales Management.

Responsibilities

Identify and engage stakeholders in the field through direct interviews and at local/regional events to determine fundamental market drivers
Collect market data from internal and external sources and produce quantitative analysis covering market size, growth rate, profitability, industry cost structures, distribution channels, market trends, competitor information, and key success factors
Take the lead role to determine European wide country requirements/drivers and Monitor regulatory developments closely to determine and communicate high value incentive-driven opportunities for Small Wind (‹100kW).
Develop marketing, positioning and communications strategy for customers and partners that differentiates the offering, establishes Northern as the leading turbine OEM, and drives qualified lead generation for the Global Sales team
Develop necessary financial models to evaluate and prioritize growth regions/countries

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of strong business-to-business market development experience in all phases of bringing new products and features to market, from conception to launch.
MBA strongly preferred
Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills
Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and analytical skills
Demonstrated successful track record of leading marketing and business development functions in the renewable energy sector
Experience in and understanding of the wind energy market preferred
Ability to perform under high pressure and changing work environment.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits compliance and integrity.
Strong ability to use Excel, MS Word, and PowerPoint.

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we are unable to respond personally to every application. However, we do review every resume and will contact you if we think there is a possible fit for you.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Strategic Sourcing Manager

Location: Barre, VT

Department: Supply Chain

Reports to: Director, Strategic Sourcing

Northern Power Systems designs and manufactures state of the art wind turbines for a rapidly growing marketplace. The primary product is a 100kW direct drive wind turbine, with a 2.2MW direct drive wind turbine in development.

Northern Power Systems is looking for a Strategic Sourcing Manager. S/he should be a high energy/self-starting individual with an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. S/he will have strong leadership and relationship building skills, demonstrated initiative and the ability to lead/manage multiple projects with the insight and enthusiasm necessary to be a major contributor to the company’s success. This team-oriented individual should have experience in handling large and complex sourcing/procurement projects for a technical company.

Wind turbine products are faced with a relentless need to drive cost of goods down with the development of strategic supply chain relationships to provide the lowest cost of energy to customers. These products and services are to be secured at cost quality, and delivery competitive levels consistent with performance standards.

Responsibilities

Team leadership of sourcing/procurement teams. Team composition includes engineering, operations, quality, and key suppliers.
Creates, develops, and implements optimal structure for supply chain, balancing cost, risk, quality, delivery, cashflow, and other factors.
Develops formal supplier and commodity strategy and tactics, backed by data-driven analysis
Negotiates, and leads negotiation teams, for materials and pricing agreements (short and long term) to ensure proper flow, cost, and performance of materials to production.
Leadership role in MRP and other system parameters (e.g. Kanban) for assigned parts. Drives MRP planning for new items and those in transition. Maintains POs and master material database until hand-off to buyer/planner.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the following

skillsets and personal characteristics:

Ability to define and implement commodity/part sourcing strategies.
Strong Negotiating Skills
Finely-honed team leadership ability
Keen quantitative analysis background
Lean/Six Sigma/Continuous Improvement experience
Excellent communicator, including the ability to communicate up, down, and across the organization to ensure required tasks are accomplished.
Great mentor and trainer to junior associates
Out of the box thinking to create innovative solutions

Required Qualifications

BS in Engineering, Business Administration or other technical degree.
4+ years experience in similar sourcing/procurement positions for top notch manufacturing organization(s), with quantified results in delivering cost, delivery, quality, and cashflow to the top and bottom lines.
Demonstrated team leadership track-record, including the ability to define expeditious project time-lines, ensure team meets milestones, and accomplishes team objectives.
Experience in renewable energy manufacturing company a plus.
Commodity/Sourcing background: Large metal/mechanical parts, electromechanical systems, experience in large composites (e.g. fiberglass or carbon fiber) a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA
ISM CPM/CPSM Certification
Six Sigma or Lean certification

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Lead Generation and Qualification Supervisor

Location: Barre, VT

Department: Marketing

Reports to: Vice President, Global Marketing and Business Development

Northern Power Systems is an American wind turbine OEM headquartered in Barre, Vermont. Northern Power has over 30 years of experience in developing and commercializing advanced, innovative wind turbine technology. The company’s current generation Northern Power 100 wind turbine is based on a revolutionary architecture that utilizes a unique combination of a permanent magnet generator and direct-drive design. This design approach delivers higher energy capture, eliminates drive-train noise, and significantly reduces maintenance and downtime costs. In addition to its community-scale 100 kW wind turbine currently available commercially, later this year the company plans to launch a 2.2MW turbine into the utility-scale marketplace for wind farm applications.

Northern Power Systems is a fully integrated company that designs, manufactures, and sells its wind turbines into the global marketplace. Northern Power has over 150 employees located at its 120,000 sq. ft. HQ and plant in Barre, Vermont and also has an assembly facility in Saginaw, Michigan, an R&D/Corporate office in Cambridge, Massachusetts and European head office in Zurich, Switzerland.

Position Summary

The Lead Generation and Qualification Supervisor will be responsible for lead generation strategy and campaign execution for the Community Wind business. The LGQ Supervisor will use analytical tools and databases as well as feedback from Sales and development partners to analyze market potential by geography, end user segments, application segments and other relevant segmentation. Based on these analyses, the LGQ Supervisor will develop a prioritized list of market areas of focus for the Community Wind business. Beyond strategy development, the LGQ Supervisor will devise marketing campaigns using tactics such as direct mail, webinars, on-site events, trade shows and advertising to create awareness of and drive interest in Northern Power’s Community Wind products. The position requires a blend of analytical ability, strategic thinking and creative problem solving. Comfort with trial and error and learning by doing will be the hallmarks of the successful candidate for this position. We seek a self directed and organized candidate who is excited about delivering cutting-edge, renewable energy technology to global markets.

Responsibilities

Analyze market potential by geography and other relevant segmentation for the Northern Power 100 and other Community Wind products
Develop and maintain a prioritized list of key market areas of focus for the Community Wind business
Develop targeted campaigns to create awareness of Community Wind products in market areas of focus
Develop targeted campaigns to drive interest in Community Wind products in market areas of focus
Track and measure campaign success using SalesForce.com database program
Maintain, evolve and improve SalesForce.com database
Develop and maintain process maps for all lead generation & qualification processes
Continuously refine tactics and campaigns to improve effectiveness and efficiency of lead generation & qualification processes
Collect and prioritize requests from Sales and development partners for Marketing support. Deliver Marketing support to Sales and partners based on priority
Develop budgets that optimize cost effectiveness of all lead generation & qualification activities and manage those activities within budget

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in marketing, communications or related field. MBA desirable.
7 – 10 years experience in strategic product marketing. Prefer experience with technical products. Prefer experience with renewable energy solutions. Prefer experience with capital projects.
Experience developing and executing marketing campaigns
Experience measuring effectiveness of marketing campaigns
Marketing communications experience
Familiarity with SalesForce.com or similar CRM program
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment
Ability to travel 25% domestically and internationally as required

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Electromechanical Systems Supplier Quality & Development Specialist

Location: Flexible, east of the Mississippi preferred, extensive travel required

Department: Supplier Quality and Development

Reporting to: Director, Supplier Quality & Development

Temporary Position: Anticipated duration of 3-6 months

Northern Power Systems, a dynamic and growing wind turbine manufacturer located in Barre, Vermont, is looking for an Electromechanical Systems Supplier Quality & Development Specialist. The position requires 50-75% overnight travel if located within driving distance of Barre or Saginaw. S/he should be a high energy/self-starting individual with an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. S/he will have strong leadership and relationship building skills, demonstrated initiative and the ability to manage multiple projects with the insight and enthusiasm necessary to be a major contributor to the company’s success.

This position has “cradle to grave” SQ&D responsibility for a cross section of the supply base with heavy focus on Systems suppliers.

Responsibilities

Help develop a world-class supply base from a Quality, Delivery, Cost, & Capacity-planning viewpoint. Meet related improvement metrics.
Help develop & implement world-class systems & methods (APQP, Lean, VE/VA, Best Practices, etc) to accomplish the above with a heavy emphasis on quality.
Drive the technical, manufacturing, quality, and continuous improvement capabilities of the supply base.
Drive timely supplier concern resolution.
Act as a key technical liaison between suppliers and the NPS Engineering department.
Work in partnership with NPS Supply Chain, Engineering, & other Departments to ensure excellent communication (specifications, test requirements, etc) and relationships with the supply base.
Team with other SQ&D Specialists to support each other in meeting company & department (team) objectives.
Help train appropriate NPS resources on various Quality & Continuous Improvement tools.

Required Qualifications

A 4-year degree (preferably a BSEE, BSME, or BS Metallurgical)
4-15 years of related experience with leading manufacturing companies
Significant experience with electromechanical/magnetic systems (motors, brakes, magnets, etc)
A strong Supplier Quality background (Lean & VE/VA experience highly desirable)
Superb problem-solving skills (6Sigma Blackbelt certification is desirable, but not a requirement)
Strong leadership, coaching/teaching, and relationship-building skills

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Cambridge, MA

Department: Utility Wind, Mechanical Engineering

Reports to: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Systems

Northern Power Systems provides our global customers with reliable and cost effective renewable energy solutions that save money and reduce environmental impact. Northern Power is committed to extending today’s resources and creating tomorrow’s choices through its development of gearless direct drive wind turbines.

Position Summary

This role will support the mechanical development of world class utility scale wind turbines.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include any combination of the following based on candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Support the development of complex, multi-disciplinary machine parts, power cabinets and assemblies
Use solid modeling software (Solidworks), FEA (ANSYS) and other analysis tools as necessary to:
- Perform static and dynamic structural analysis of stationary, rotating, and/or vibrating, machine components while adhering to international design standards
- Perform detailed structural fatigue analysis and damage accumulation analysis given multi-directional load spectra
- Specify and analyze structural welded and bolted joints according to US and International welding standards.
- Perform fluid and thermal analysis
- Perform design modeling
Develop system requirements based on product definition
Develop and maintain product development documentation using PLM software
Specify materials, heat treatment and material surface modifications often through collaboration with vendors
Check analyses
Prepare for and lead design reviews and trade studies

Required Qualifications

10yrs min experience in the related field, BSME required, MSME, PhD preferred
Ability to work well within a team
Discipline to work within a Quality Process
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to be organized, detail oriented and accurate

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Senior Controls Engineer

Location: Boston, MA

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Director, Systems Integration

Northern Power provides our global customers with reliable and cost effective renewable energy solutions that save money and reduce environmental impact. From our gearless, direct drive NorthWind® wind turbines to power electronics and controls for high power applications, Northern Power is committed to extending today's resources and creating tomorrow's choices.

Summary

Northern Power’s Systems Integration Engineering group is currently seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design and development of control systems for our advanced technology wind turbine products. This position requires a well-rounded and creative controls engineer that has experience with control of large machines, power conversion systems, rotating machines, and structural dynamics. The ideal candidate has experience in the control of pitch controlled wind turbines.

The primary function of this position is to lead the design of the overall system level real time controls, which will be implemented by the Software and Controls engineering team. This requires a broad understanding of wind turbines, drivetrains, and control theory, as well as a creative approach to find the best solutions. This role requires providing leadership, communicating clearly, working closely with the Engineering Leaders, and engaging in consensus building. Additionally, we are looking for proficiency with system modeling tools such as Bladed, Flex5, FAST, Matlab and Simulink for design development, testing and validation.

Responsibilities

Develop high-level control strategies for wind turbines in a cooperative team environment
Work with engineering team to analyze the impact of the control system on wind turbine dynamics and loads
Develop and maintain Matlab/Simulink models of wind turbines
Participate in regular design reviews on control system status and issues
Manage and prioritize high level control system feature development and testing
Help maintain control system design documentation
Evaluate feedback from field and improve control system design
Help evaluate new control system feature requests and prioritize development plan

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in engineering, or equivalent experience
Deep knowledge of dynamic control systems
Minimum of eight years experience designing, modeling and analyzing control systems
Minimum of five years using Matlab and Simulink for modeling of dynamic systems
Theoretical and practical knowledge of system-level dynamic modeling of dynamic rotating machines and power systems.
Basic understanding of C programming language and software engineering
Ability to manage time and priorities in fast-changing development environment
Ability to evaluate design risk in complex systems
Ability to work in a team environment on multiple tasks
Ability to learn new concepts quickly
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Masters or PhD degree in engineering or mathematics
Experience with wind turbines 100kW and larger
Experience with generators and power converters 100kW and larger
Experience with vibration & dynamic structural analysis

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Field Operations Site Supervisor

Location: McBain, MI

Department: Utility Wind

Reports to: Manager, Field Service

Northern Power Systems provides our global customers with reliable and cost effective renewable energy solutions that save money and reduce environmental impact. From our gearless, direct drive NorthWind wind turbines to power electronics and controls for high power applications, Northern Power is committed to extending today's resources and creating tomorrow's choices.

Summary

The Field Operations Site Supervisor (OSS) has responsibility for all aspects of site activities associated with day-to-day operations and maintenance of Northern Power’s prototype 2.2MW (megawatt) wind turbine. The OSS coordinates and supervises turbine maintenance, site performance records, safety training and adherence, site asset management, and customer and community relations. He/she will be responsible for maintaining a highly effective team focused on continuous improvement, achieving high-level results and maximizing turbine performance. The OSS must possess solid mechanical and electrical systems experience and is expected to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and an ability to successfully prioritize multiple activities. This position requires a close working relationship with engineering, production, supply chain and other operations personnel.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day site activities and turbine operations to optimize turbine equipment and performance.
Maintain and support the 365/24/7 operational oversight of the turbine.
Provide effective site leadership that promotes a culture focused on safety, professionalism and technical excellence.
Act as Site Safety Officer; oversee all site safety training and practices; conduct regular safety meetings, EHS assessment and appropriate safety briefings for all site visitors.
Responsible for maintaining site budget, managing costs to budget, and accurate accounting of site material usages.
Responsible for service contract compliance.
Responsible for site employees: assist in hiring, day-to-day management, and performance management of staff.
Supervise all scheduled and unscheduled turbine maintenance with respect to minimizing MTTR, including crane mobilizations and 3rd party contractor activities.
Supervise the technical direction of turbine technicians to successfully meet turbine maintenance requirements.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with customer(s), vendors and the local community.
Update and maintain the necessary spare parts requirements.
Update and maintain the specialty tool requirements.
Manage all on-site company assets.
Maintain all site reporting functions:

Turbine performance reports
Fault logs/downtime reports
Turbine access logs
Maintenance & repair logs
Inventory reports
On-site training records

Conduct regular turbine inspections per the developed schedule.
Assist in departmental process development:

Develop and improve Best Practices & Methods.
Support manufacturing, engineering and on-site development of documentation requirements for all commissioned wind systems.
Act as the technical liaison to production group for assembly, fit-up, and functionality issues.
Act as the field liaison to engineering for validation, testing, and technical feedback.

Elicit a high level of workmanship from the entire technical team.
Understand and ensure on-site compliance with Northern Power Systems policies, standards and procedures.
Communicate operational issues affecting design, schedule, quality and safety to appropriate NPS personnel.
Ensure use of proper tools and techniques throughout maintenance activities.

Required Qualifications

3 to 5 years mechanical and/or electrical repair experience required.
Minimum (3) years of supervisory experience in the wind industry, manufacturing, service or related fields.
Proven ability to troubleshoot complicated mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical problems preferably on variable pitch, variable speed turbines.
Professional experience in processing complex building sites.
Ability to read engineering drawings and schematics.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work based on business needs and available resources.
Proven ability to build and manage an effective technical team.
Previous budget, cost management and scheduling experience.
Knowledge and experience working with Safety programs, practices and training protocol.
Ability to be trained and certified, as a Trainer, in LOTO procedures, Confined Space, Fall Arrest & High Angle Emergency Decent
Leadership skills: coaching, mentoring and developing of employees. Converting ideas and strategies into goal-oriented actions. Communicating direction and leading by example.
Proven decision-making skills; excellent risk assessment and prioritization skills.
Effective issue resolution and conflict management skills.
Demonstrated ability to be highly self-motivated, take ownership, and work effectively under pressure and in changing environment.
Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, …)
Excellent interpersonal skills
Effective oral & written, presentation, communication skills
Ability to climb 80 meter ladders unassisted and work/supervise in confined space environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Two-year degree in Wind Turbines or electro-mechanical engineering.
Professional experience in the branch of wind energy.

Work Conditions

Outdoors, inclement weather.
Working heights greater than 200’ above ground.
Travel to domestic and international locations and remote sites required at approximately 25% of the time.

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Buyer/Planner

Location: Barre, VT

Department: Purchasing

Reports to: Senior Manager, Supply Chain

Northern Power Systems is looking for a Buyer/Planner to support the development and production of one of its line of turbines. The Buyer/Planner coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, and supplies associated with a specific product category. The position is further responsible for the timely planning and scheduling of receipt and inventory control of the products and services.

Responsibilities

Executes tasks comprising of routine buying and materials planning for assigned commodities/parts. Accountable for planning and executing a specific set of part numbers or commodities to maintain proper materials flow to company within metric targets.
Works through ERP/MRP and other planning system to identify material needs on a daily basis and prioritize tasks based on production and requestor and supplier leadtimes. Maintains MRP/planning parameters for assigned parts to ensure proper materials planning.
Regularly negotiates with selected suppliers regarding scheduling and delivery of assigned parts and commodities.
Maintains PO database and Master Material database to ensure data integrity of planned and expected materials. Resolves any part shortage issues.
Develops and implements smaller purchasing projects to support operations and business overall.
Acts as main liaison for supplier on day-to-day issues including delivery, quality, and pricing/invoicing issues.
Leadership role in MRP and other system parameters (e.g. Kanban) for assigned parts. Drives MRP planning, maintains POs and master material database for assigned parts.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the following skillsets and personal characteristics:

Excellent communicator, including the ability to communicate up, down, and across the organization to ensure required tasks are accomplished.
Strong Negotiating Skills
Keen quantitative analysis background
Lean/Six Sigma/Continuous Improvement experience
Ability to act as mentor and trainer to junior associates
Out of the box thinking to create innovative solutions

Required Qualifications

BS in Engineering, Business Administration or other technical degree
2-6 years experience in similar sourcing/procurement positions for top notch manufacturing organization(s), with quantified results in delivering cost, delivery, quality, and cashflow.
Demonstrated experience in materials production planning, procurement, and/or inventory management
Commodity/Sourcing background: Electrical parts, electromechanical systems

Preferred Qualifications

ISM CPM/CPSM Certification or equivalent
Six Sigma or Lean certification
Experience in renewable energy manufacturing company

We offer a competitive benefits package to full-time employees, including health, dental and life insurance, a 401k match and more. Email your resume to hr@northernpower.com.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.