Director of Engineering
Position Type:Full-Time Permanent, Hybrid
Join the Clean Energy Revolution at Portable Electric!
Portable Electricis a trailblazing clean technology company based in Vancouver, BC, that designs, engineers and manufactures the Voltstack e-Generators. Our impact is global with over 1,000 Voltstack® units deployed across 14 countries, and we've built strong partnerships with forward-thinking customers and strategic allies throughout North America and Europe.
We are at the forefront of the renewable energy transition with the vision to bring "Clean, Quiet Power. Off Grid." and transform how industries around the world access and utilize portable power. We're in an exciting growth phase as we expand into the booming mobile Battery Electric Storage System (BESS) market, providing zero-pollution, zero-noise electric power solutions that are reliable, quick-charging, and portable.
Revolutionary Mobile BESS Technology
Our innovative Voltstack® product line represents the cutting edge of mobile energy storage solutions:
- Smart Power Management: Our intelligent systems optimize energy use in real-time, extending runtime and maximizing efficiency.
- Hybrid Power Integration: Seamlessly pair with existing diesel generators to dramatically reduce runtime, fuel consumption, and emissions.
- Complete Generator Replacement: For many applications, our BESS units can completely eliminate the need for diesel generators, providing silent, emission-free power.
- Versatile Charging Capability: Power everything from small tools to full-sized electric construction equipment and EVs, creating a flexible power ecosystem on any job site.
- Rapid Deployment: Designed for quick setup in remote locations, emergency situations, and challenging environments where traditional power isn't feasible.
Making Real-World Impact
Our solutions are transforming operations across multiple industries:
- Construction siteswhere our units power everything from small tools to heavy equipment
- Film and entertainment productionsrequiring silent, clean power
- Emergency responseand disaster relief scenarios
- Remote work siteswith limited or no grid access
- Events and festivalsseeking sustainable power alternatives
As a certified B Corp, Portable Electric is committed to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that aligns with our values and commitment to social responsibility. We invite innovative problem-solvers with a growth mindset who thrive in a dynamic "startup-like" environment to join us in our new phase of growth. Join us and help power the sustainable future!
Role Overview
Reporting to the VP of Technology, the Director of Engineering is responsible for being both a technical hands-on leader as well as the people leader of the Product Development Team. This team consists of multidisciplinary engineering teams, including systems, electrical, mechanical and validation engineers. The focus of this role is to ensure timely delivery of high-quality engineering solutions, drive the technical delivery and development of new products, including in the portable and mobile space, and lead the product development team.
This is a hands-on role that involves daily activities such as collaborating with cross-functional teams to analyze issues and identify practical solutions, providing technical expertise in the areas of systems, mechanical, electrical and validation engineering, and managing engineering program deliverables to ensure they are delivered on time, on budget, and with excellent quality. This role will initially have up to 10 direct reports.
Responsibilities
- Drive the development and execution of the company’s engineering vision, strategy, and roadmap in collaboration with the VP of Technology, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and OKRs
- Drive engineering programs from project kick-off to delivery (establish detailed engineering program milestones based on program deliverables; manage budgets, resources and timeline for engineering projects; ensure effective resource allocation, timely project delivery, and strong ROI)
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of new products and existing products; ensure they meet market needs, quality and environmental standards
- Lead engineering initiatives to enhance existing solutions, and identify emerging trends to maintain the company’s competitive edge
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (i.e. operations, sales, finance) to leverage engineering for business success and enhance market competitiveness
- Ensure engineering practices comply with applicable regulations and standards
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders
- Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with engineering vendors and partners to optimize business performance
- Stay informed about industry trends and technological advancements to inform strategic business decisions
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Product Development team (consists of up to 10 direct reports from multidisciplinary engineering teams such as systems, electrical, mechanical and validation) within the engineering function
- Foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, continuous improvement and sustainability
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and hands-on experience in Systems Engineering and/or Electrical Engineering is preferred, but background in Mechanical Engineering will be considered
- Minimum 10 years of hands-on engineering experience, with at least 3 years each in technical leadership and people leadership, preferably within the technology or cleantech industry
- Strong background in battery/energy storage as well as energy conversion (experience in product development, product testing, enhancing existing solutions)
- Experience in leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, such as systems, electrical, mechanical and validation
- Experience in common industrial product development processes and related standards
- Experience managing budgets and resources for the engineering team
- Experience in leading and successful delivery of engineering projects
- Passion for sustainability and a commitment to driving positive environmental impact through innovative technology
- Strategic problem-solver and critical-thinker
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across various teams and all levels of the organization
- Proactive, growth mindset, and resourceful
- Adapts quickly to change; navigates effectively through uncertainty and ambiguity
- Experience in both a startup and larger organization with a structured business environment is preferred
Location: This is a hybrid role which requires working 4 days a week on-site at our Vancouver, BC location.
Work Hours: 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (40 hours/week); flexibility in working hours is provided as this is a salaried position.
Total Rewards
- Health spending account (we are actively working on enhancing our benefits package as we grow)
- Employee share and option program
- Discretionary bonus based on company's financial performance and individual employee performance
We thank all applicants, but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please follow our careers page https://portable-electric.com/careers/ to stay informed about all job opportunities.
