VP of Tracker R&D

Title: Vice President of Tracker R&D
Department: Tech Center

Location: US, Remote
Supervisor: Head of Tech Center, Executive Vice President   
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Full-Time Permanent

Work Status: Remote

                                       VICE PRESIDENT OF TRACKER R&D

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

We are currently seeking an experienced VP of Tracker R&D to work with our cross-functional business units to design and implement solar energy collection systems.

This position reports to the Head of Tech Center, EVP or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is remote and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 20%

Role Overview

As VP of Tracker R&D, you will lead a dynamic team of experts, advancing the innovation agendas and shaping the future of a broad, global portfolio of products.

Beyond a leadership opportunity, it's a chance to be a catalyst for change.  You will be entrusted with optimizing the existing portfolio, leveraging your deep technical and product development expertise to identify and implement improvements that enhance performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Simultaneously, you will be a visionary leader, empowered to build a strong, collaborative R&D team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

You will be a strategic thought partner, collaborating across business platforms, the corporation, and the external ecosystem, to infuse R&D advances in Solar Tracker Industry throughout our operations and portfolio. This role requires a seasoned leader with deep expertise in engineering, a passion for bringing differentiated and sustainable solutions to market and a strong commitment to people development and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Portfolio Leadership & Innovation (70%):

• Work as team lead of the Tracker R&D team researching and developing new concepts and products for Solar Tracker.
• Set the strategy for multiple businesses to ensure compliance to an ever-changing regulatory landscape and work with the businesses to convert the strategy to an implementable roadmap.
• In partnership with business platforms, lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability strategy and roadmap.
• Think strategically and partner with business platforms to develop a clear vision for the future of the portfolio, addressing business’ growth and profitability aspirations.
• Ensure timely and robust delivery of the product development portfolio, driving execution across functions and sites and ensuring effective and compliant commercialization of new products.
• Integrate sustainability principles into all stages of the product development process, from material selection to manufacturing and end-of-life considerations.
• Manage intellectual property portfolio related to the assigned portfolio.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and market trends, anticipating future needs and driving innovation in the Solar Tracker R&D landscape.

People & Organization Development (20%):

• Build and lead a diverse, high-performing expert organization with expertise in diverse engineering fields such as civil/structural engineering, mechanical engineering, or relevant field.
• Be the voice of the materials function across the organization.
• Cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, fostering talent development and empowering team members to reach their full potential.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and foster a collaborative and respectful work environment.
• Implement talent development programs and identify opportunities for team members to grow and advance their careers.

Collaboration & Relationship Building (10%):

• Foster a collaborative environment, partner closely with cross-functional teams within the company platforms to ensure business continuity and successful commercialization of new solutions.
• Collaborate with sustainability experts within the company to ensure alignment with broader company goals and contribute to industry-wide sustainability initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions, research partners, and industry leaders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science (MS) Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering or relevant field.
• Mechanical engineering background is with solar experience.
• 15+ years of experience in R&D Leadership with a proven track record of success in product development, in a regulated environment, preferably in solar industry.
• Proficient with computer design software including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, RISA 3D or other FEA Software (Ansys, AutoCAD Inventor).
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing high-performing, geographically and culturally diverse teams.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship building skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across various departments and organizations.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate scientific concepts into practical applications.
• Advanced analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering or relevant field.
• Experience with design of engineered plastic components is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of intellectual property protection and experience in managing patent portfolios.
• Working knowledge of wind tunnel analysis and studies and design codes including AISC, ASCE, AISI.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors

• Travel: up to 20% as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at [email protected].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.