Manager, Project Manager

Job Description:

Nextracker's Product Engineering organization is a global team of innovators driving advancements in solar tracking and intelligent control systems. We design and deliver next-generation hardware, firmware, and software technologies that enhance solar power plant performance worldwide. 

We are seeking a Project Manager / Scrum Master with strong technical and organizational skills to lead R&D projects that integrate hardware, firmware, and software development. This individual will manage prototype and proof-of-concept (PoC) programs that explore emerging technologies, validate design concepts, and support future product innovation. 

This role is focused on research and development execution. The ideal candidate will combine Agile project leadership with deep technical understanding, driving rapid iteration, collaboration, and learning across multidisciplinary teams. 

Key Job Responsibilities 

Agile & Project Leadership 

Serve as Scrum Master for software and firmware development teams, facilitating Agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and reviews. 

Lead R&D programs involving hardware prototypes, control systems, sensors, and firmware/software integration. 

Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and milestones for prototype and PoC development, ensuring technical feasibility and timely delivery. 

Coordinate prototype builds, testing, and validation activities across cross-functional engineering teams. 

Ensure Agile and project management best practices are applied effectively in a dynamic R&D environment focused on experimentation and learning. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

Collaborate closely with product management, R&D engineering, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain partners to ensure prototype feasibility and design validation. 

Facilitate communication across distributed teams to align technical goals and execution. 

Serve as the primary liaison between technical contributors and stakeholders, ensuring clarity in requirements, scope, and outcomes for each R&D effort. 

Execution & Continuous Improvement 

Identify and manage risks, dependencies, and resource needs associated with prototype and PoC development. 

Track progress and report key project metrics (velocity, burn-down, milestone achievements) to leadership and stakeholders. 

Promote continuous improvement through Agile retrospectives, data-driven insights, and process optimization. 

Drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across all phases of R&D project execution. 

Basic Qualifications 

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Software, or related field). 

Experience: 7+ years of experience in project or program management within an engineering or R&D environment, with at least 3 years working with Agile software or firmware teams. 

R&D Focus: Proven ability to manage early-stage, cross-functional prototype and PoC projects involving hardware, firmware, and software integration. 

Methodologies: Strong knowledge of Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and hybrid engineering program management practices. 

Tools: Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, or equivalent Agile and project management tools. 

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate complex technical details into clear updates for diverse audiences. 

Soft Skills: Strong organization, facilitation, and problem-solving abilities; adept at managing ambiguity in exploratory projects. 

Languages: Fluency in English. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Education: Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline. 

Certifications: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), PMP, or PMI-ACP certification. 

Experience: 5+ years managing multidisciplinary engineering R&D projects, ideally in renewable energy, IoT, robotics, or industrial automation sectors. 

Technical Expertise: Understanding of embedded systems, control algorithms, data acquisition, and prototype validation workflows. 

Leadership: Demonstrated ability to guide cross-functional teams through concept exploration, design iteration, and PoC demonstration phases. 

Why Join Nextracker? 

Innovative Environment: Contribute to forward-looking R&D efforts shaping the future of solar tracking, control systems, and intelligent energy technologies. 

Professional Growth: Lead exploratory and high-impact projects that push the boundaries of innovation while advancing your leadership and Agile expertise. 

Collaborative Culture: Partner with global engineering teams that value creativity, knowledge sharing, and experimentation. 

Purpose-Driven Work: Play a pivotal role in advancing clean energy technology and accelerating the global transition toward a more sustainable future. 

At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.

For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.