Director, Glass Research & Development

Do you want to be on the cutting edge of the clean energy and climate tech industry? Are you excited about the intersection of renewable energy and the circular economy? We are too. And that's why we launched SOLARCYCLE, an advanced technology-based recycling company.

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

As the head of the Glass R&D activities in Arizona, you will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and play a crucial role in driving innovation and leading research projects focused on solar glass manufacturing and recycling. This position requires glass expertise and the ideal candidate will provide strategic direction, manage a team of engineers, and spearhead the development of our glass department and new rolled glass manufacturing plant.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee R&D projects related to glass manufacturing.

• Direct and oversee R&D projects related to solar glass recycling and purity.

• Manage a team of engineers and technicians and foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.

• Define and execute the research roadmap aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

• Communicate research findings, project updates, and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.

• Participate in the writing of product disclosure documents to drive innovation and increase our patent portfolio.

• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to solar glass manufacturing and recycling.

Professional Competencies:

• Leadership and Strategy:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic guidance for the R&D department.

• Define and execute the research roadmap aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and emerging relevant technologies

• Research and Development:

• Direct and oversee R&D projects related to solar glass manufacturing, purity, properties, and recycling.

• Build and manage a team of engineers and technicians and foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.

• Have a good understanding of laboratory-based research, including bench-scale experiments, and instrumental analysis to assist your team in their research.

• Assist with setting up a new state-of-the-art laboratory with equipment related to your research. Manage the pilot lines capable of producing large glass sheets (e.g. 2m x 2m) for optical and mechanical testing.

• Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Engineering, and Quality Assurance, to ensure seamless integration of R&D projects.

• Communicate research findings, project updates, and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.

• Foster strong relationships with external partners, academia, and industry experts to leverage their expertise and resources.

• Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, safety protocols, and ethical standards in all research activities.

• Promote a culture of safety, responsibility, and environmental sustainability within the R&D department.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geology, or a related field. A Ph.D. is desirable but not necessary.

• Extensive experience (at least 5-10 years) in research and development, preferably in solar glass, rolled glass, or related fields.

• Strong background in the science of glass, melt, virtuous, and amorphous materials.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and managing R&D projects from conception to implementation.Understanding of intellectual property and patents.

• Experience in managing a team of engineers, fostering their professional growth and development.

• Proficient in laboratory-based research methodologies, instrumental analysis, and recovery methods used for assessing relevant glass properties (optical, mechanical, etc.).

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Strong leadership abilities, with a strategic mindset and the ability to drive innovation and change.

• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Note: This position is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA. Relocation to Phoenix or a willingness to relocate is required. Remote work before moving for a few months can be negotiated.

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.