Program Manager (m/w/d)

ConnectDER (www.ConnectDER.com) represents the next generation in US-based resource technology product development. Our signature product, the ConnectDER Meter Socket Adapter, dramatically cuts down the cost and interconnection time for solar energy, EV charging, and home battery storage, putting clean, resilient power within reach of millions of homeowners. With a pipeline of exciting innovations, we're only just getting started on our journey to transform how the world makes and consumes its energy.

We are a dynamic, venture-backed company based in Philadelphia, PA, near Center City, with a team of over 50 dedicated professionals working in remote, hybrid, and on-site roles across the United States. As we continue to grow, we are committed to developing cutting-edge products that empower technology partners, installers, electricians, and their customers. We seek talented individuals who can deliver high-quality service and drive the value of clean energy resources forward.

Our culture is collaborative, transparent, and team-oriented. We value open communication and people who bring thoughtful perspectives to the table. If you're looking for an opportunity to stretch your skills, get creative, and be a part of something new and meaningful, ConnectDER is the place for you!

All full-time employees receive access to comprehensive benefits including:

• Health insurance plan - we cover 75% for employees, spouses, and children.
• Flexible paid time off - take the time off that you need.
• 401K with company match - we want to help you meet your future financial goals.
• Equity stock options - your opportunity to share in the success of the company.

How You'll Make An Impact

We're looking for a Program Manager to help power how innovation happens at ConnectDER.

In this role, you'll lead the development and launch of new products while building the systems, tools, and processes that keep us operating at a best-in-class level. You'll sit at the center of ideation, technology development, and portfolio strategy. You will connect ideas to execution and help the organization scale what works.

This is a highly impactful role for a strategic, technically minded leader who can navigate complexity, drive change, and bring people together to turn vision into reality.

Duties include:

Program & Product Leadership

• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) programs end-to-end, ensuring alignment to governance, timelines, cost targets, and best practices
• Drive New Technology Introduction (NTI) efforts to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into future products
• Partner with Product Management to define requirements and ensure alignment with market needs, cost targets, and timelines
• Lead stage gate reviews and participate in design reviews with internal teams, suppliers, and customers

Process, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Own and optimize the Arena PLM ecosystem, including process design, governance, and user training
• Oversee sustaining engineering and change management, ensuring a closed-loop system for requests and implementation
• Drive continuous improvement by refining development processes, tools, and workflows
• Capture lessons learned and lead post-mortems to strengthen future execution

Cross-Functional Execution & Delivery

• Coordinate cross-functional development and validation activities, including prototyping, testing, and certification
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure timely procurement and management of prototype materials
• Support commercialization efforts during product launches in partnership with go-to-market teams

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Communicate program status, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders at all levels
• Provide program management guidance to cross-functional teams to support broader organizational initiatives
• Identify and resolve project risks, conflicts, and resource constraints

Leadership & External Collaboration

• Lead and influence cross-functional teams within a matrixed organization
• Manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and partners

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Location & Travel

This is a full-time hybrid position requiring 3 days on-site at our Philadelphia office and up to 10% travel.

Compensation

$105,000 - $115,000 annually, plus bonus and equity.

What success looks like in your first 6 - 12 months

• Get up to speed on our current systems and frameworks
• Take full ownership of Arena PLM
• Lead and successfully execute key NPI programs
• Begin identifying and implementing process improvements

Who We're Looking For

Must-Haves

• 5 - 7 years leading and managing ideation, technology and product development in a fast-paced engineering environment
• History of successfully leading product development teams and activities from idea-to-launch
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to associate with all levels in the organization
• Proven success in establishing key performance indicators, metrics, and focus to drive product development best practices
• Advanced negotiation, problem solving, and interpersonal skills (presentation, written and oral) with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and management
• Comfort in operating in both agile and waterfall project methodologies, for both software and hardware development projects
• Experience using project management software (i.e. ClickUp, Microsoft Project, etc)

Nice-to-Haves

• Advanced degree in a technical or business discipline
• Experience delivering solutions in the solar, renewable, and/or distributed energy Resource (DER) industry
• Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement process experience
• Advanced knowledge of innovation tools (Roadmunk, ClickUp, PLM systems, PowerBI etc)

You'll thrive in this role if you are:

• Proactive and highly organized with strong follow-through
• Comfortable with rapid change
• Curious and eager to learn, even outside your experience
• Emotionally intelligent and able to tailor your message to your audience
• Willing to take risks and bring solutions

If you're someone who sees ambiguity as an opportunity, not a blocker, you'll do well here.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Must have the ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time with or without accommodation.