Sr. Program Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager – Hardware NPI to lead the development and launch of next-generation x86 hardware appliances. This role will be responsible for driving New Product Introduction (NPI) programs from concept through mass production while working closely with global contract manufacturers and cross-functional engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in hardware product development, manufacturing operations, and program management, with the ability to manage multiple complex programs in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) programs for x86 hardware appliances.
• Drive collaboration across Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Product Management, Test Engineering, Quality, Compliance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Planning, and Global Contract Manufacturers.
• Develop and manage integrated hardware development schedules aligned with software development milestones.
• Define and manage phase-gate deliverables to ensure successful product releases.
• Ensure hardware validation, manufacturing readiness, and release criteria are completed before production.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and contract manufacturers to drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) initiatives.
• Coordinate Product Characterization and Component Characterization activities to reduce manufacturing risks.
• Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and implement corrective actions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Ensure Order Fulfillment readiness for all new SKUs and FRUs by collaborating with Supply Chain, Planning, Business Systems, Service Logistics, and Repair teams.
• Identify technical, manufacturing, and supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support supplier engagement, cost optimization initiatives, and multi-sourcing strategies.
• Develop should-cost models and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Establish component traceability through multi-level BOM management.
• Lead Post Ramp Qualification (PRQ) activities for hardware enhancements including tooling and optical transceivers.
• Drive continuous process improvements and capture lessons learned to improve future product launches.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior team members.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in hardware product development, manufacturing, or technical program management.
• Proven experience managing New Product Introduction (NPI) programs for x86 hardware platforms.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)
• Hardware Validation
• Product Characterization
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Design for Test (DFT)
• Experience working with global contract manufacturers and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partners.
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management and manufacturing release processes.
• Experience managing Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Strong project planning, risk management, and schedule management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional communication skills.
• Experience working with suppliers, component planning, and manufacturing operations.