Research and Development Project Manager

Company Description:

Solinas Integrity, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, is at the forefront of tackling critical challenges in manual scavenging, water accessibility, and sewer management. In just two years, we have made a significant impact across 15+ states and 30+ cities in India. Our innovative and affordable solutions, such as India's first septic tank cleaning robot Homosep and advanced pipeline diagnostic tools like Endobot, are revolutionizing underground asset management and addressing water-sewer pipeline challenges. Recognized by national leaders and acclaimed industry bodies, our achievements reflect our commitment to transforming the water and sanitation sectors through cutting-edge technology and indigenous solutions.

About the Role:

The R&D Project Manager leads and delivers innovation driven projects focused on inspection, monitoring, and integrity solutions. The role coordinates cross functional teams to take ideas from concept to deployment, ensuring projects align with Solinas Integrity's technology roadmap, quality standards, and business objectives while meeting timelines and budgets.

Key Responsibilities:

Act as the primary point of contact between R&D and business teams for project-related updates.

Gather status updates on ongoing research activities and escalate delays when needed.

Coordinate material requirements and identify what is needed, check availability, and follow up for procurement.

Maintain project documentation, data sheets, reports, and trackers in Excel/Jira.

Facilitate communication between internal teams, ensuring clarity and alignment on project goals.

Support R&D managers in planning, resource allocation, and execution of project activities.

Develop and oversee project plans for various initiatives, encompassing scope, timelines, and resource allocation; monitor progress, track task milestones, and anticipate potential challenges; facilitate consistent project meetings, ensuring stakeholders are updated with transparent communication, and promptly escalate any critical issues to department leaders for timely resolution.

Developing an evaluation method to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement tracked against quarter deliverables

Drive the forecasting activity towards quarterly adjustment to budgets; track requests, changes, variances, and impact on variance vs actuals.

Especially on Timeline slip ups and impacts to KRA, ensure project delivery is on time, as per scope and within the allocated budget.

Conduct ongoing risk assessments, proactively address potential challenges to project timelines, and establish comprehensive risk management protocols, emphasizing thorough documentation and reporting.

Build and sustain relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels, facilitate feedback sessions, and provide consistent project updates to ensure alignment and transparency.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration, Project Management, or Engineering.

Minimum 5 years of experience in managing projects in hardware product development , preferably in the robotics sector.

Proven track record of successfully delivering R&D projects on time and within budget. Strong organizational and time management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with stakeholders at all levels.

Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and mitigate risks.

Proficiency in project management software tools and methodologies (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Clickup, Agile frameworks).

Attributes We Value:

Young, energetic, and proactive personality with a can-do attitude

Proactive, self-driven, and deeply passionate about storytelling within a digital, impact-led ecosystem.

Highly organised with strong time-management skills, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Previous exposure to field or project operations with strong organizational and coordination skills

Deep curiosity about sustainability, public health, water infrastructure, and social impact.

Perks & Benefits:

Competitive Salary & Bonus: Market-aligned pay with performance-linked incentives.

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare coverage and wellness support for self, spouse and 2 children.

Professional Growth: Access to learning and development opportunities with direct exposure to leadership decision-making and deep insights into building and scaling a business.

Collaborative Culture: Work in an innovative, mission-driven environment where your input shapes the company's future.

Ready to make an impact Apply today and be part of SOLINAS! Interested candidates can forward their updated resumes to [Confidential Information]