Technical Project Manager

About Us

SunDrive is an Australian solar technology company turning world‑leading science into real‑world impact.

Founded in a Sydney garage in 2015, when our co‑founder Vince Allen paused his PhD to pursue a bold idea, we set out to make solar more powerful, affordable, and sustainable. Today, that same drive fuels a company operating at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and materials science.

Our breakthrough solar cell technology replaces silver with industry‑first direct copper plating—swapping one of the most expensive materials in solar for something abundant, cost‑effective, and sustainable. We set a world record for solar cell efficiency in 2021 and built the world’s first fully automated copper‑plating line at our Kurnell facility, proving scalability.

Backed by leading VCs and government partners and punching above our weight in global PV collaborations, we’re now at the forefront of a generational shift in clean‑energy manufacturing and industrial‑scale deployment.

If you want to work somewhere ambitious, collaborative, and deeply technical where science meets impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands‑on, highly organised Technical Project Manager to be the operational backbone of our R&D team. In this role, you will sit at the centre of our scientific and experimental work, coordinating multiple concurrent R&D workstreams, managing resources and lab operations, and ensuring the smooth execution of experiments across our facility.

You’ll work closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, and lab operators to keep projects on track, ensure resources are used efficiently, and provide leadership with clear data to inform strategic decisions. This is a role for someone who thrives in dynamic, technical environments and enjoys bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to complex scientific programs.

You Will Focus On

- Coordinate all R&D workstreams, maintaining clear schedules across experiments and milestones.

- Manage resource allocation across lab assistants, operators, and specialised equipment.

- Oversee experiment logistics, including materials, chemicals, and component procurement or production.

- Track and report spending on materials, consumables, and external testing.

- Monitor experiment progress and results across all active projects.

- Prepare clear reports for R&D leadership on milestones, findings, risks, and budget status.

- Act as the communication hub to keep the R&D team aligned on priorities and schedules.

We Would Love You to Have

- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering field (e.g., Photovoltaics Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics).

- 3+ years of project or program management experience in an R&D, laboratory, or technical environment.

- Experience with resource planning, scheduling, and coordinating personnel or equipment.

- Experience tracking project budgets or cost centres.

- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities.

- Proficiency with project management and data‑tracking tools.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to convert complex technical information into clear reports.

- PMP or similar project management certification is preferable but not required.

$125,000 - $135,000 a year

SunDrive’s Benefits

Meaningful Work & Ownership

- Access SunDrive’s Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) — real ownership in SunDrive’s growth (permanent employees only).

- Work on breakthrough solar technology with global impact.

- Be part of a tight, high‑performing team where your ideas matter.

Learning & Growth

- Company‑wide L&D Fund for courses, coaching, and technical development.

- Dedicated weekly learning time.

- 2 days of paid L&D leave per year.

Leave & Flexibility

- Unlimited rollover on annual and personal leave.

- Parental Leave: 13 weeks primary / 6 weeks secondary caregiver leave.

- Paid antenatal leave and support for early arrivals, surrogacy, and return‑to‑work planning.

Health & Wellbeing

- Free, confidential EAP support for employees and immediate family.

Financial & Everyday Perks

- EV‑only novated leasing.

- Weekly transport (tolls and public transport) allowance up to $45.

- Wednesday lunches covered + snacks and drinks onsite for your convenience.

How We Work

We’re a team of engineers, scientists, operators, and builders who thrive where deep research meets real‑world production. With teams in Australia and China, we collaborate across disciplines and borders to design, build, test, and optimise the technologies behind our breakthrough solar cells. At our Kurnell, Sydney site, R&D, pilot manufacturing, and process engineering sit under one roof, creating a fast, iterative loop between innovation and implementation.

Our culture is open, accountable, and grounded in first principles. We work without ego, raise challenges early, and solve them together. We act like owners, pragmatic, resourceful, and committed to delivering work that’s precise and built to last.

We’re ambitious in what we take on and united by a shared purpose: to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable technologies that power a better future.

Additional Information

SunDrive Solar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / Aff… We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Please let your SunDrive hiring contact or recruiter know if you need accommodation at any point during the interview process.

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