Single Axis Tracker Program Manager

Job description

About Us:

Polar Racking Inc.

is a trusted leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of innovative solar mounting solutions, proudly serving customers across North America.

At Polar Racking, we are committed to delivering high-performance, site-specific solar mounting systems that empower our clients to harness clean energy with confidence.

Our collaborative approach combines cutting-edge technology, expert engineering, and a customer-first mindset to provide tailored racking products that meet the unique demands of each project.

With a passion for sustainability and excellence, we work hand-in-hand with construction and engineering professionals to bring solar visions to life.

Learn more at www.Polarracking.Com.

We are seeking a highly experienced SAT Controller Program Manager to provide support to the Engineering team as per the job responsibilities detailed below.

The Employee will report directly to the Senior Manager, Engineering or any other party designated by the leadership team in connection with the performance of the duties under this Agreement and shall fulfill any other duties reasonably requested by the Company and agreed to by the Employee.

Job Responsibilities:

• Program Planning and Execution: Define program scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with the VP of Engineering and other internal and external stakeholders.
  
  Develop and maintain a detailed program plan, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
  
  Add, modify, or clarify deliverables as needed to align with project goals and stakeholder expectations, ensuring all changes are documented and communicated effectively.
• Subcontractor Management: Lead the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of a third-party subcontractor responsible for the hardware and software development of the single-axis controller.
  
  This includes defining clear deliverables, monitoring progress, ensuring adherence to quality standards and accountability for deliverables, and managing contractual obligations.
• Coordination and Support: Act as the primary liaison between the company and our partners, coordinating activities to ensure alignment on project goals.
  
  Execute deliverables assigned to the company and provide general support to ensure project success, including logistical support such as arranging local supplier meetings, test site visits, and partner engagements.
• Technical Oversight: Work closely with the subcontractor's technical team to understand the design, development, and integration of the hardware and software components.
  
  Provide technical guidance and ensure the controller meets our performance, reliability and industry-specific requirements.
  
  Create systems and templates where needed to ensure project success.
• Testing and Validation: Develop and oversee the testing strategy for the single-axis controller, including functional testing, performance testing, environmental testing, and integration testing with our solar mounting systems.
  
  Ensure rigorous testing protocols are followed and results are thoroughly documented.
  
  Coordinate testing activities at various sites, including test facilities and partner locations.
• Certification Management: Manage the entire certification process for the single-axis controller, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.G., UL, CSA).
  
  Coordinate with certification bodies, prepare necessary documentation, and track progress to ensure timely approvals.
• Risk and Issue Management: Proactively identify potential risks and issues that could impact the program schedule, budget, or quality.
  
  Develop and implement mitigation plans and effectively communicate status and escalations to the VP of Engineering.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for the single-axis controller program, providing regular updates to internal stakeholders, including engineering, product management, sales, and operations.
  
  Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across all involved teams, leading meetings between both parties.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive program documentation, including requirements specifications, design documents, code, test plans, test reports, certification records and progress reports.
  
  Prepare and deliver presentations to management to communicate project status and key updates.
• Prepare regular program status reports for the VP of Engineering.
• Budget Management: Monitor and control the program budget, ensuring adherence to financial targets and proactively identifying and addressing any potential cost overruns.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement within the program management framework and contribute to the development of best practices.
  
  Research industry trends, product innovations, and competitive landscapes to inform program strategy and enhance outcomes.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Project Management, or a related technical field (Master’s degree or PMP certification is a plus).
• Minimum 7 years of program or project management experience in hardware/software product development, preferably in the solar, renewable energy, or embedded systems space.
• Proven track record of managing complex technical programs involving third-party vendors or subcontractors.
• Experience working in international or cross-cultural environments, with a preference for candidates familiar with India’s business landscape.

Technical Skills:

• Solid understanding of hardware and software development lifecycles, particularly in embedded systems or control systems.
• Familiarity with testing methodologies, including functional, performance, and environmental testing.
• Experience managing product certification processes (e.G., UL, CSA) and working with regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with program management tools (e.G., Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence) and documentation platforms.

Program Management & Leadership:

• Strong capability in developing and managing project plans, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment among engineering, product, operations, and external partners in a global context.
• Experience managing subcontractors, including negotiating contracts, tracking deliverables, and ensuring accountability.
• Ability to lead meetings, facilitate discussions, and present complex technical and program information to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to executive stakeholders and cross-cultural teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Additional Qualifications (Preferred but not Required):

• Experience with solar mounting systems, motion control, or actuator technology.
• Familiarity with ISO, UL, or other international certification standards for industrial or electronic equipment.
• Background in product lifecycle management (PLM) and design control processes
• Experience in team-building

Required Skill Profession

Operations Specialties Managers