
Salman Sheikh
Verified Expert in Product Management
Product Manager
Houston, TX, United States
Toptal member since June 2, 2026
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
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
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
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
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering
University of Michigan-Dearborn - Dearborn, MI, USA
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Urbana, IL, USA
Certifications
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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