Engineering Manager

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 an experienced and dynamic Engineering Manager to lead our team of electrical, controls/automation, and mechanical engineers in the design and construction of a cutting-edge solar panel recycling facility at our start-up factory in Cedartown, Georgia. This position is based in Cedartown, with the expectation of the Engineering Manager relocating to Cedartown within 8 months of accepting the role. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of engineering management, program management, and individual technical contributions in either mechanical or electrical engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of engineers, including electrical, controls/automation, and mechanical disciplines. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Program Management: Oversee the design, development, and implementation of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems for the new recycling facility. Effectively utilize Smartsheet project management software to track and manage a high-volume project portfolio efficiently. Drive the execution of multiple engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Utilize tech-enabled project management tools to maintain clear communication and progress tracking.
• Technical Skill: Act as an individual contributor when necessary, leveraging your expertise in mechanical or electrical engineering to support the team in the completion of design and development tasks.
• Hiring & Development: Assist the Director of Engineering in recruiting experienced top talent to build out the engineering team in Cedartown. Develop training and development plans for team members to ensure skill growth and project success.
• Relocation Preparation: Work closely with the Director of Engineering and HR to ensure a smooth transition and relocation of the engineering team to Cedartown in preparation for the facility’s planned startup in October 2025.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• You will supervise and manage a team of engineers. Engineering disciplines that you will lead include, but are not limited to: mechanical engineers, automation/controls engineers, process/industrial engineers, and electrical engineers.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of industry experience, with at least 5 years in an Engineering Manager role overseeing direct reports.
• Technical Skills: Strong background in mechanical, electrical, and/or automation engineering. Proficiency in design software and tools relevant to the field.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in rapid communications using a mobile device and laptop. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Program Management: Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale engineering projects. Proficiency in project management software; experience with Smartsheet is a plus.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop a team, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Location: Willingness to relocate to Cedartown, Georgia within 8-12 months.

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.