Head of Product - Virtual Inspections

Head of Product - Virtual Inspections

SolarAPP Foundation | Location: Remote (within the State of CA)

About Us

SolarAPP is cutting the costs of the clean energy transition, making it so that everyone can afford to power their lives with clean energy. Our automated plan review and permitting software reduces soft costs by turning a weeks-long bureaucratic process into instant approval. We're already deployed in over 500 cities across 17 states, with more than 120,000 permits issued, representing over 800,000 kW of clean energy. We're growing fast to expand our impact, developing capabilities to conduct virtual inspections once permitted projects are complete. This will allow us to serve governments and contractors with an end-to-end solution for streamlining residential projects. Join a team building tools that enable safe, automated, and instantaneous permitting and inspections for solar, storage, EV charging, and other clean energy technologies.

About the Role

We're seeking a Head of Product to own the full 0-1 lifecycle of SolarAPP's Virtual Inspection product line from the ground up, and you'll have something most early-stage product leaders dream of: a proven distribution model, an established user base, and immediate access to a massive market. This is a rare opportunity to join a founding team increasing access to affordable solar energy for individuals, families, and businesses across the country.

You'll work across engineering, product, contractors, inspectors, regulators, and funders to build a tool that meets national standards while staying practical and intuitive for users in the field. One day you'll be analyzing building codes, the next you'll be writing tickets with engineers or testing prototypes with inspectors on actual job sites.

If you're excited about owning an entire multi-platform digital product from inception to launch and beyond, thrive in a "we'll figure it out" environment, and are passionate about accelerating clean energy adoption, this is the role for you.

Reports to: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Who you'll work closely with: cross-functional delivery, tech, and operations team members

What You'll Do

This role centers on owning the full lifecycle of SolarAPPs Virtual Inspection product, including research and strategy through prototyping, pilots, and launch. You'll translate complex regulatory and field requirements into a clear product roadmap, drive cross-functional alignment, and deliver a tool that meets jurisdictional standards while accelerating clean-energy adoption. This role will also require some in-state travel within California to strengthen relationships with end users, conduct research, and complete product testing.

Lead the Virtual Inspection Product Lifecycle (60%)
Own research, strategy, design, and delivery for SolarAPPs Virtual Inspection offering.

• Manage the entire lifecycle of product development, from concept to launch, with a self-directed, innovative, and user-centered mindset
• Conduct independent research on inspection requirements, building codes, and field practices
• Translate insights into product direction, requirements, and prototypes
• Develop scalable roadmap aligned with the state of CA and national standards
• Prioritize features, make tradeoffs, and drive outcome-focused execution 
• Test prototypes with inspectors, cities and counties, and contractors to ensure usability and compliance across multiple platforms (desktop and mobile)
• Ship product updates iteratively while maintaining quality standards and learning from each release

Drive Pilot Programs and Market Readiness (20%)
Ensure the product delivers measurable value for real-world partners.

• Collect and synthesize field-level feedback to guide rapid iteration
• Plan and execute pilots with jurisdictions, including measurement of outcomes
• Prepare documentation, training materials, and workflows for early adopters
• Establish clear criteria for success and evaluate product-market readiness

Stakeholder Alignment & Communication (10%)
Serve as the trusted point of contact across internal and external partners.

• Provide regular updates to internal leadership, funders, and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Grant Manager to meet obligations for milestones, reporting, and scope
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration within engineering and partner organizations
• Champion user-centered product management best practices across a lean, fast-moving team

Build Foundations for Scale (10%)
Lay the groundwork for virtual inspections to become a standard SolarAPP capability 

• Define long-term vision and scaling pathways for national expansion
• Identify and integrate new tools, including AI-based rapid prototyping and feedback systems
• Document emerging best practices and technical requirements for future iterations 

What You'll Bring

Essential Skills and Background

• Background typically consistent with 7+ years of product management experience in highly regulated sectors (govtech, clean energy, permitting, safety, etc.)
• Proven track record of independently delivering complex products from concept through launch (i.e., 0-1)
• Strong research skills: able to analyze requirements, codes, and user workflows and convert them to actionable product decisions
• Experience with multi-platform product development across desktop and mobile
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct: set clear goals, prioritize ruthlessly and drive measurable outcomes with limited oversight
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, capable of synthesizing technical, regulatory, and user needs into clear strategy
• Proven people management skills: attracting, retaining, and developing high performing teams
• Comfortable operating as an autonomous product leader in a lean environment, switching between strategy and execution 
• Passion for renewable energy and commitment to accelerating clean-energy adoption 

Additional Preferred Skills and Background

• Experience working in early-stage or startup environments
• Familiarity with building inspections, permitting workflows, or related regulatory contexts
• Knowledge of AI-enabled prototyping or user-feedback tools
• Background consistent with delivering field-tested products that serve multiple stakeholder groups
• Interest in building and iterating with agentic AI technologies

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time role with a competitive salary ranging from $185,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401K with 5% employer match
• Employer paid short- and long-term disability, and life insurance
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• Parental leave
• $75 monthly internet stipend
• $500 work from home stipend for each new hire

Hiring Process Outline (targets)

• Application period: this role will remain open until filled, though we are prioritizing applications submitted by 1/16/26
• Review applications and respond to candidates: rolling basis, starting in early January
• Recruiter phone screen: starting in early January
• Virtual EQ/behavioral panel interview 1: starting in mid to late January
• Take home exercise: to be completed within 1-week prior to the next round
• Virtual TQ/technical panel interview 2: starting in early February
• Reference checks and final conversations: starting in mid February
• Selection and offer: mid-late February
• Ideal start date period: end of February through mid-March 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

SolarAPP Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.