Technical Program Specialist, Hydrogen Solutions

What Makes a Honda, is Who makes a Honda

Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it's a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals. At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company that serves as a source of "power" that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize "the joy and freedom of mobility" by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a "zero environmental footprint."

We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.

If your goals and values align with Honda's, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!

* Eligible for Sponsorship

Job Purpose:

Honda's Sustainability and Business Development Business Unit is responsible for delivering Honda's Triple Zero goals of zero carbon emitted from products and operations, zero carbon emitted from energy used throughout the entire value chain including product in-use, and zero use of raw resources by recycling and sourcing sustainable materials for all new products. Our focus is on innovation, incubation, development, application, and operation of new businesses, products, and services. We aim to uphold Honda's core values and enhance the brand's competitiveness in the marketplace.

As the world shifts towards a renewable-electricity-powered society, Hydrogen solutions are emerging as a key decarbonization technology and a promising business opportunity for Honda. Hydrogen enables clean energy mobility, and our goal is to catalyze the mass commercialization and widespread adoption of fuel cell technologies into hard-to-decarbonize market segments. To achieve this, the Hydrogen Solutions team is to commercialize fuel cell business into various key domains, including heavy-duty vehicles, construction machinery, and stationary power systems.

As a Technical Program Specialist in this area, you will play a pivotal role in bringing Honda's hydrogen fuel cell solutions to market, establishing Honda as a leader in the rapidly evolving hydrogen sector. In this position, you will act as a strategic driver and connector, bridging external market opportunities with Honda's fuel cell technology capabilities. You'll build and manage high-value partnerships, working closely with industry leaders, automotive OEMs, utilities, and renewable energy developers to drive initiatives that support Honda's long-term growth and innovation in hydrogen.

Beyond strategic development, you'll ensure that fuel cell projects run smoothly from concept through delivery. Coordinating with cross-functional teams and external partners, you'll apply advanced project management techniques and maintain Honda's high standards of quality. This role requires both a technical understanding of fuel cell technology and the ability to adapt projects to meet emerging industry trends and customer needs.

You will engage directly with key customers and stakeholders, gathering insights to ensure our solutions are aligned with market demands. Acting as a trusted point of contact, you'll cultivate strong relationships that reinforce Honda's reputation for reliability, innovation, and sustainability.

Impact of the Role: The Technical Program Specialist will play an essential role in Honda's growth in the hydrogen economy, driving both strategic partnerships and operational success. Through a combination of technical expertise, market insight, and project leadership, you'll contribute to Honda's mission to advance sustainable energy solutions and define the future of decarbonization. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact sector and be at the forefront of Honda's clean energy initiatives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategic Partnerships and Market Development (45%)
  
  
  
  • Objective: Drive Honda's growth in the hydrogen fuel cell sector by cultivating key partnerships, exploring new market opportunities, and advancing joint initiatives aligned with Honda's strategic goals.
  • Responsibilities:
    
    
    
    • Identify and establish high-value partnerships with industry leaders, utilities, renewable energy developers, and automotive OEMs to elevate Honda's position in the hydrogen market.
    • Lead and negotiate joint development agreements and collaborative projects, positioning Honda's fuel cell technology as a preferred solution across diverse applications.
    • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to refine market strategies, adjusting to emerging opportunities and aligning with Honda's long-term vision.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Project Leadership and Operational Excellence (40%)
  
  
  
  • Objective: Ensure the successful execution of hydrogen fuel cell projects by optimizing resources, timelines, and quality, driving operational excellence throughout project lifecycles.
  • Responsibilities:
    
    
    
    • Oversee project execution from inception to completion, employing advanced project management and AGILE methodologies to meet objectives on time and within budget.
    • Provide technical oversight to ensure fuel cell technology integrates seamlessly into customer applications, maintaining high standards of quality and reliability.
    • Conduct post-project evaluations, extracting lessons learned and implementing improvements for future projects to enhance performance and efficiency.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
• Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Satisfaction (15%)
  
  
  
  • Objective: Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders to ensure Honda's hydrogen fuel cell solutions exceed expectations and align with market demands.
  • Responsibilities:
    
    
    
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for major clients, addressing inquiries, providing project updates, and ensuring alignment with customer goals.
    • Systematically collect and communicate customer and stakeholder feedback, sharing insights with internal teams to refine product and service offerings.
    • Foster long-term customer satisfaction by ensuring projects deliver value, building trust, and strengthening Honda's reputation in the hydrogen fuel cell industry.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:

• Master's Degree desired in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Energy Systems) or Business Administration with a focus on technology management.
• OR equivalent experience: extensive professional experience (10+ years) in project management, business development, or technical leadership within the energy sector, demonstrating capabilities comparable to an advanced degree.
• Proven track record of senior leadership roles in driving technological and business success in the energy sector.
• 7+ years of experience in roles related to hydrogen technologies, renewable energy systems, or automotive powertrain development. 7+ years of practical experience in strategic project management and technical program leadership with an emphasis on renewable energy or automotive applications.
• Minimum two of the following experiences:
  
  
  
  • 7+ years of experience in engineering management, particularly with fuel cell or hydrogen technologies.
  • 7+ years of experience in business development or strategic partnerships focused on commercializing new technologies within the automotive or energy sectors.
  • 7+ years of successfully leading multi-disciplinary projects involving the integration of emerging technologies into commercial markets.
  
  
  
  
• Industry and Regulatory Knowledge:
  
  
  
  • In-depth understanding of hydrogen fuel cell applications and energy sector dynamics.
  • Familiarity with regulatory, compliance, and sustainability frameworks relevant to the automotive and energy industries.
  
  
  
  
• Leadership and Collaboration:
  
  
  
  • Strong leadership skills to inspire and lead cross-functional teams towards meeting project goals.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, enhancing partnership outcomes.
  
  
  
  
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  
  
  
  • Excellent communication abilities, capable of articulating complex technical details and influencing decisions across all org levels.
  • Interpersonal skills to manage relationships and negotiate with partners and vendors successfully.
  
  
  
  
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills:
  
  
  
  • Advanced problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to address challenges proactively in high-pressure environments.
  • Decision-making skills that support timely and effective project advancements.
  
  
  
  
• Organizational and Project Management:
  
  
  
  • Exceptional organizational prowess, ensuring precise project documentation and adherence to schedules.
  • Experience with Agile methodologies, able to lead and adapt within fast-paced, flexible project frameworks.
  
  
  
  
• Technical Proficiency:
  
  
  
  • Technical aptitude in engineering principles relevant to hydrogen technologies.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Honda's operations, spanning R&D, manufacturing, and quality control.
  
  
  
  
• Contractual and Documentation Expertise:
  
  
  
  • Skill in drafting and negotiating contracts, with specific expertise in creating and managing Joint Development Agreements, ensuring they align with strategic business objectives and facilitate successful partnerships.
  • Experience handling RFIs and RFPs effectively, demonstrating proficiency in detailed contractual documentation and compliance.
  
  
  
  
• Technological Tools:
  
  
  
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) for robust data management and project tracking.
  
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Remote Work and Office Collaboration: 65% - Includes working remotely from home or other locations to manage project planning, communications, and administrative tasks. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, attending virtual meetings, and participating in project discussions remotely. Utilizing digital tools and communication platforms for virtual collaboration.
• On-Site Visits and Travel: 25% - Involves traveling to customer locations, project sites, and company offices for project oversight, stakeholder engagement, and on-site assessments. Conducting inspections, monitoring project progress, and coordinating with on-site teams and integrators. Traveling to attend industry events, conferences, and meetings as required.
• Administrative and Planning Activities: 10% -Dedicates time to administrative tasks, including project documentation, budget tracking, and reporting. Planning project timelines, milestones, and resource allocations. Reviewing project progress, evaluating risks.
• It's important to note that the time allocation percentages can vary based on project demands, customer requirements, and specific organizational needs. The percentages provided are intended to give a general idea of the typical distribution of time for various working condition activities. The flexibility to adapt and manage time effectively across different work settings, and the ability to work independently, is crucial for success in this position.

What differentiates Honda and make us an employer of choice?

Total Rewards:

• Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
• Regional Bonus (when applicable)
• Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)
• Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Career Growth:

• Advancement Opportunities
• Career Mobility
• Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
• Training and Development Programs

Additional Offerings:

• Lifestyle Account
• Childcare Reimbursement Account
• Elder Care Support
• Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
• Wellbeing Program
• Community Service and Engagement Programs
• Product Programs
• Free Drinks Onsite

Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.