Salman Sheikh, Product Manager in Houston, TX, United States
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Salman Sheikh

Product Manager

Houston, TX, United States

Toptal member since June 2, 2026

Bio

Salman is a senior product and strategy executive with 10+ years of experience driving growth, platform strategy, and go-to-market execution across energy storage, grid automation, and energy transition markets. He has proven success leading multiproduct portfolios, scaling hardware and software solutions, and generating $100+ million ARR through customer-focused innovation, commercialization, and cross-functional leadership.

Expertise

  • Commercialization
  • Go-to-market (GTM) Strategies
  • Leadership
  • Market Research & Analysis
  • Portfolio Management
  • Power and Energy
  • Product Strategy
  • Revenue Growth

Work Experience

Director – Product & Portfolio Management

2024 - 2026
Honeywell
  • Worked with and influenced multiple high-level senior leadership and stakeholders on investing in energy storage and data center space.
  • Trained, mentored, and cross-functionally led multiple teams globally.
  • Led the product design and launch of battery energy storage products.

Manager – Product, Strategy & Growth

2021 - 2024
Fluence Energy
  • Worked closely with senior leadership in developing new product ideas and market penetration strategies.
  • Trained and mentored multiple peers within engineering and product teams.
  • Led the development, engineering, and launch of multiple battery energy storage products.

Senior Engineer – Product Development

2015 - 2021
Ford Motor Company
  • Led multiple leadership initiatives targeted towards cost saving and improving efficiency.
  • Developed new troubleshooting techniques to expedite the manufacturing line and better address end-of-line concerns.
  • Led the design and systems engineering for multiple vehicle architectures.

Project History

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

https://www.fluenceenergy.com/
  • 35% — Sales Pipeline Growth YoY
  • $3 Million — Yearly Improvement in Product Efficiency & Operational Optimization
  • 3 — Market Competitive Product Launched in 2 Years

I needed to develop new products for global markets across AMER, EMEA, and APAC. I had to increase product sales and secure more customers across multiple market segments. I also needed to optimize operations and reduce warranty concerns on existing products and project sites.

I conducted voice-of-customer research and market analysis to identify growth opportunities across existing and new segments. I identified and collaborated with new and existing customers to expand the sales pipeline. I also optimized site operations and increased recurring revenue by enhancing operations and maintenance services.

I increased YOY sales by 35%, launched 3 new products globally over 2 years, and expanded the sales pipeline, extending the potential revenue to over $2 billion.

Data Center & Power Management

  • 50% — Sales Pipeline
  • 2 — Product Launches in 1 Year
  • 3 — New Market Segments

I needed to establish the company’s footprint in the data center and power management space. I had to secure new customers, grow the sales pipeline with existing ones, and launch products tailored to the needs of new market segments.

I partnered and collaborated with OEMs and suppliers to secure contracts for parts, components, and finished products. I worked closely with end customers to secure projects and long-term commercial agreements. I also conducted market research and analysis to identify opportunities, address gaps, and support business growth.

I developed and launched data center and power management products, partnered with OEMs and suppliers, signed MOUs and MSA contracts to secure supply chains, and generated $100 million in revenue within 1 year, delivering multiple GWs of projects.

Electric Vehicles

  • 20% — Revenue Growth
  • $1 Million — Battery Cost Optimization YoY
  • 2x — Sales Growth

I needed to grow and lead the EV market globally across multiple segments and regions. I had to reduce battery warranty costs by $1 million while launching new EV technologies and products that were scalable and commercially viable.

I launched two new vehicle product lines and residential and commercial EV charging systems. I optimized battery operations and end-of-line processes to reduce warranty issues and operational losses. I also partnered with OEMs and industry networks to establish standards and protocols that supported product interoperability and scalability.

I increased EV charging sales by 100% YOY for 2 years in a row, established an OEM-specific EV charging network in collaboration with suppliers, and launched 2 new EV products globally.

Education

2016 - 2018

Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering

University of Michigan-Dearborn - Dearborn, MI, USA

2011 - 2015

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Urbana, IL, USA

Certifications

JULY 2023 - PRESENT

Battery MBA

Battery Associates

Skills

Tools

Confluence

Other

Strategy, Leadership, Management, Product Development, Product Management, Commercialization, Revenue Growth, Market Research & Analysis, Go-to-market (GTM) Strategies, Product Strategy, Power and Energy, Portfolio Management, Product Launch, Engineering, Manufacturing, Compliance

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