Engineering Program Manager

Engineering Program Manager

Optivolt's mission is to overshoot humanity's energy supply by reimagining solar. America is at an inflection point. We need reliable energy fast. The grid is aging. And solar, the only technology that deploys quickly enough, is still constrained by technology frozen in time. To close this gap, we build intelligent solar systems that think and adapt to real world conditions. Optivolt solar systems understand the sun, the weather, shading, harsh conditions, and optimize energy flow in real time. Every Optivolt panel is designed with an aerospace power electronics brain sealed inside to make solar more powerful and cost effective than ever in any condition. The next step is putting it everywhere. In the home as Optivolt Home Solar and in the field as Optivolt Solar Fields. Hyper performant, controllable, reliable solar that works for everyone, everywhere.

Optivolt is a team of some of the best builders and doers in the world, drawing from incredible talent pools in aerospace, electrical engineering, design-led organizations. We ultimately will win by designing and building the world's best solar energy products. But chiefly important, our organization is a lab for those devoted to solving some of the toughest problems in energy. Everyone is expected to contribute to the mission meaningfully. Clear communication, rapid iteration, and strong work ethic is the floor for anyone on our team. To date we've shipped over 20,000 units and have companies worth billions of dollars relying on our solar architecture.

As an Engineering Program Manager at Optivolt, you will drive complex hardware and software programs from concept to commercial launch. You will coordinate electrical, mechanical, firmware, test, reliability, manufacturing, and external partners. We are looking for a technically fluent operator who removes bottlenecks and drives decisions to accelerate schedules.

What You'll Do

• Own programs from definition to launch. Own integrated development programs from requirements through validation, certification, and production.
• Make the critical path clear. Build milestone plans, critical paths, dependency maps, and clear deliverable ownership.
• Keep engineering teams aligned. Coordinate engineering disciplines and external suppliers, test labs, and manufacturers.
• Spot risks before they become delays. Surface technical risks early, drive mitigation, and escalate decisions with clear tradeoffs.
• Drive decisions and close open issues. Lead focused program reviews and ensure commitments translate into completed work.
• Run prototype and validation milestones. Manage prototype builds, design changes, engineering gates, and validation milestones.
• Coordinate our external partners. Track product readiness across firmware, hardware, mechanical, and manufacturing workstreams.
• Keep reporting useful and lightweight. Build lightweight processes that increase visibility without slowing engineering execution.
• Help teams deliver what they commit to. Communicate status, risks, and decisions clearly to engineering and company leadership.

What We're Looking For

• You have led technical programs. 4+ years in technical program management, engineering, or hardware development.
• You understand hardware and software development. Experience leading complex electronics or electromechanical product programs.
• You know how to manage dependencies. Technical fluency in hardware development, validation, and manufacturing.
• You have worked through product launches. Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional teams through ambiguity.
• You can engage deeply with engineers. Experience with EVT/DVT/PVT, design changes, and production launches.
• You lead through clarity and follow-through. Excellent prioritization, communication, and execution skills.
• You are comfortable with ambiguity. Comfort working hands-on in a small, fast-moving organization.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with power electronics, energy systems, automotive, or aerospace.
• Experience coordinating UL/FCC or other certification programs.
• Familiarity with PLM and engineering change control.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work extended hours as needed to support critical milestones
• Everyone at Optivolt is required to participate in on call support for customers
• Must be based in San Francisco, CA

Pay and Benefits

The estimated starting base salary range for this role is $160K-220K depending on level, location and experience, plus a generous pre-IPO equity package. Other benefits include comprehensive health coverage, unlimited PTO, plus extra fun perks!