What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Engineering position at Portable Electric?
Director of Engineering
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent, Hybrid
Join the Clean Energy Revolution at Portable Electric!
Portable Electric is 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 sites where our units power everything from small tools to heavy equipment
- Film and entertainment productions requiring silent, clean power
- Emergency response and disaster relief scenarios
- Remote work sites with limited or no grid access
- Events and festivals seeking 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. This is your chance to contribute directly to cutting-edge clean technology that makes a real difference in combating climate change. Join us and help power the sustainable future!
Role Overview
Reporting to the VP of Technology, the Director of Engineering is responsible for leading the product development team (consists of multidisciplinary engineering teams such as systems, electrical and mechanical) within the engineering function, with a focus on ensuring timely delivery of high-quality engineering solutions and driving advancements in our engineering team.
Responsibilities
- Support the development and execution of the company’s engineering vision, strategy, and roadmap in alignment with the company's mission and OKRs
- Oversee the design, development, and deployment of new products and existing products; ensure they meet market needs, quality and environmental standards
- Lead engineering initiatives to explore new technologies, enhance existing solutions, and identify emerging trends to maintain the company’s competitive edge
- Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure engineering initiatives align with business OKRs
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (i.e. operations, sales, finance) to leverage engineering for business success and enhance market competitiveness
- Manage budgets, resources and timeline for engineering projects; ensure effective resource allocation, timely project delivery, and strong ROI
- 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 5 to 8 direct reports from multidisciplinary engineering teams such as systems, electrical and mechanical) within the engineering function
- Foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, continuous improvement and sustainability
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in engineering leadership, with at least 3 years each in technical leadership and people leadership, preferably within the technology or cleantech industry
- Experience in leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, such as systems, electrical and mechanical
- Experience managing budgets and resources for the engineering team
- Experience in leading and successful delivery of engineering projects
- Strong background in battery/energy storage as well as energy conversion
- Experience in common industrial product development processes and related standards
- 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.
Salary : $170,000 - $190,000