Sr. Director/VP of Technology and R&D
SOLARCYCLE
Do you want to be on the cutting edge of the clean energy and climate tech industry? Are you excited about the intersection of renewable energy and the circular economy? We are too. And that’s why we launched SOLARCYCLE, an advanced technology-based recycling company.
The solar industry needs a global end-of-life partner to restore, renew, and ultimately recycle yesterday’s solar panels for tomorrow’s clean energy projects. SOLARCYCLE aims to be the partner of choice for solar asset owners looking for a responsible solution to their end-of-life system needs. And we need you to direct our field operations to help us become a leader in this new burgeoning sector in the renewable energy industry.
About the role:
We are seeking a proactive, seasoned, and experienced leader to join our team as the Vice-President of Technology. As the right arm to the CTO, you will coordinate the recycling technology team and oversee the USA R&D team initially (~15 people), expanding to the global R&D team by the end of next year (~20 people). This role requires strong program management capabilities and a strategic vision to drive innovation and lead research projects focused on solar panel recycling and technology advancements.
Responsibilities:
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic guidance for the recycling technology team.
- Direct and oversee R&D projects related to solar panel recycling, including silicon and CdTe panel recycling.
- Manage and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
- Define and execute the research roadmap aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
- Take on projects, which includes not only program management from a scheduling standpoint, but also from a financial standpoint, a resource allocation standpoint, and a stage gate system standpoint.
- Communicate research findings, project updates, and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
- Participate in the writing of product disclosure documents to drive innovation and increase our patent portfolio.
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to solar panel recycling.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Engineering, and Quality Assurance, to ensure seamless integration of R&D projects.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- This position will initially oversee the USA R&D team and expand to oversee the global R&D team by the end of 2025.
Education, Training, and Professional Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in R&D, with a focus on recycling technology or renewable energy.
- Proven track record of managing and leading R&D teams.
- Strong program management capabilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
#LI-Hybrid
You don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you think this role is for you but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right person for this role.
You will be working alongside a highly successful team who deliver amazing innovative work in the solar PV industry! The solar industry needs a global end-of-life partner to restore, renew and ultimately recycle yesterday’s solar panels for tomorrow’s clean energy projects. SOLARCYCLE aims to be the partner of choice for solar asset owners looking for a responsible solution to their end-of-life system needs.
Solar power is one of the most powerful tools humanity has in our fight against climate change. But for solar to truly scale to its full potential, we need to create renewable supply chains and a vibrant secondary market for upcycled panels and recycled materials. Since its launch in 2022, SOLARCYCLE has assembled a world-class management team with experience scaling companies and organizations such as Amazon, Nextracker, Sierra Club, Solaria, and SunPower. The company has secured high-volume contracts with industry leaders such as AES, EDF Renewables North America, EDP Renewables North America, Greenbacker, Ørsted, Qcells, Silfab, Silicon Ranch, and Sunrun. This is the next frontier - ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable and domestic supply of the critical minerals needed for the next wave of solar. We exist to make clean energy massively scalable and even more sustainable by radically advancing recycling technology and infrastructure for the solar industry. If this resonates with you, we really want to meet you.