Vice President of Product Development

GameChange Solar; United States; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

A leading solar energy company is seeking a Vice President of Product Development to lead strategic and technical initiatives in solar tracker and racking technologies. The role involves guiding R&D activities, managing a high-performing team, and defining substantial technology roadmaps. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of relevant experience, a strong educational background in engineering, and the capability to oversee large projects and budgets. This position offers full-time employment based in the United States with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience.
• Proven track record of successful product development in the solar industry.
• Deep knowledge of solar tracker systems and PV systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic vision for the solar tracker product line.
• Lead development of next-generation solar tracker technology.
• Mentor and lead a diverse, high-performing R&D team.

Skills

R&D leadership

Strategic thinking

Mechanical design

Electrical components

Software/Firmware skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

RISA 3D

Job description

GameChange Solar is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic companies in the rapidly growing solar industry. We have top quality solar racking and tracker products that generate the most amount of energy, are the fastest to install, and the most cost effective.

The Vice President of Product Development will provide strategic and technical leadership for all research and development activities related to the company's solar tracker and racking product portfolio. The successful candidate will assess the market, drive innovation, lead a high‑performing engineering team, and define the long‑term technology roadmap to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge in the global solar market. This executive will oversee the product development lifecycle from conception and ideation through commercialization, balancing ambitious innovation with practical execution, quality demands, and robust project management.

Vice President of Product Development Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic vision and technology roadmap for the company's solar tracker product line, aligning R&D initiatives with overall business goals.
• Lead the development of next‑generation solar tracker technology, focusing on improvements to mechanical design, hardware, software, and firmware.
• Integrate principles of sustainability and end‑of‑life considerations into product design.
• Build, mentor, and lead a diverse, high‑performing R&D team with expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, and software engineering. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Plan and manage the R&D budget, allocate resources effectively, and oversee project timelines and deliverables to ensure targets are met.
• Partner with other departments, including sales, marketing, and operations, to define product requirements, ensure business continuity, and support the commercialization of new products.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, market trends, and the competitive landscape to drive innovation and anticipate future market needs.
• Ensure all R&D projects and products adhere to industry regulations and standards, such as those from the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Vice President of Product Development Required Skills & Qualifications

• A Bachelors/Master of Science (BS/MS) degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil/Structural Engineering is required.
• 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience with a proven track record of successful product development, preferably within the solar or renewable energy industry.
• Deep knowledge of solar tracker systems, including PV systems, mechanical design, electrical components, and software/firmware for monitoring and control.
• Proficiency with design and analysis software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, RISA 3D, and other Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to manage complexity and align diverse teams toward a common goal.
• Ability to interact with customers and assess their needs.
• Demonstrated strategic problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate technical and scientific concepts into practical applications.
• Experience in managing large budgets, with the ability to understand financial modeling and optimize resource allocation.
• Understanding how LCOE works does is a plus.

Job Type: Full‑time

Location: United States — Preferably based near Norwalk, CT (flexible)

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Principals only. GameChange Solar does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. PLEASE NO AGENCY CONTACTS.