Sr. Product Engineer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct technical research to identify emerging cell, module, and materials technologies, evaluating their feasibility for integration into Silfab's product roadmap.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing to design, develop, and execute on new product launches.
• Lead engineering activities through product launches following Silfab's New Product Introduction Process while continually seeking feedback to improve the process.
• Support the entire lifecycle of solar products, from initial concept and design validation to end-of-life, including product launch, engineering updates, and discontinuations.
• Work closely with sales, marketing, and applications teams to translate customer feedback and field requirements into technical product specifications and improvements.
• Ensure products comply with relevant industry standards (e.g. UL 61730, IEC 61215) and lead the design, execution, and coordination of any third-party reliability or performance testing that may be required.
• Analyze product performance data, field returns, and reliability metrics to evaluate product effectiveness and drive root-cause analysis and design improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as sales, marketing, finance, engineering, and operations to drive product success and achieve business objectives.
• Collaborate with finance and supply chain teams to develop cost analysis and the technical business case for future products, and continue to evaluate design and cost performance post product launch.
• Continually identify design and process opportunities to reduce product cost, improve manufacturability, and increase product performance.
• Participate in the technical evaluation and selection of strategic suppliers for components and materials, including specification development and qualification.
• Continually assess competing products through technical benchmarking and teardown analysis.
• Provide technical support to sales and marketing in developing and maintaining product material for use online, for in person sales, and at technical conferences/trade shows.
• Provide technical support to the Sales and Marketing team to develop and maintain customer relationships for existing or future products.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending technical conferences/trade shows, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers as needed.
• Perform other duties and tasks as required.

 

Skills

• Strong understanding of solar products and technology
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels within the company.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively allocate resources.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and aggressive timelines.
• Knowledge of solar industry standards and regulations, such as IEC and UL certifications, is preferred.

Traits

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic R&D environment, adapting to changing priorities and embracing new technologies and methodologies.
• A passion for staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve project goals.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in the solar industry, preferably in a product or project management role.

Compensation and Benefits

• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday) 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Health Savings Account option
• Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program 
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Employee PV Panel Purchase Program