Technical Program Manager, Hardware
Location: Hybrid in Chicago, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation Range: $125,000 - $155,000 / year
About the Opportunity
A Series A startup in the embedded software space is seeking a Technical Program Manager for Hardware for their hybrid Chicago office. Their satellite-enabled communications platform and rugged hardware solutions empower both commercial and government operations to maintain connectivity and situational awareness in the most demanding environments. Trusted by elite teams operating at the edge of connectivity, their technology is mission-critical for keeping personnel in touch, informed, and safe. The company is now expanding its capabilities into unmanned systems, autonomous platforms, sensors, robotics, and next-generation satellite networks.
Why This Role Matters
This is an exceptional opportunity for a technical program leader who excels at the convergence of hardware development, systems integration, and execution excellence. You'll take complete ownership of the hardware portfolio from initial requirements definition through field deployment, with particular emphasis on delivering communication solutions purpose-built for elite operational environments. This role offers the chance to shape the future of critical hardware products, manage high-stakes government-funded R&D programs, and directly impact systems deployed by military, emergency response, and public safety organizations worldwide. You'll work alongside a high-performing, mission-driven team that moves quickly while maintaining unwavering support for one another.
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Required Skills & Experience
- Demonstrated track record managing hardware development programs in defense, aerospace, or robotics sectors
- Hands-on experience with unmanned systems platforms (Group 1-5 UAS, USVs, or similar autonomous systems)
- Deep knowledge of hardware development cycles and manufacturing processes, including PCBA, enclosures, prototyping, and design validation/production validation testing
- Outstanding organizational capabilities, communication skills, and creative problem-solving abilities
- Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments while coordinating across engineering, operations, product, commercial, and government stakeholder groups
- Technical proficiency in interpreting mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and CAD models
Desired Skills & Experience
- Track record executing U.S. government-funded development programs (SBIR, OTA, FAR/DFARS contracts, or similar vehicles)
- ???????Experience with integration efforts involving third-party platform providers
- Background in ruggedized or field-hardened hardware for extreme operational environments
- Familiarity with satellite communications systems or connectivity solutions
- Experience managing supplier relationships and bill of materials optimization
- Understanding of production readiness processes and factory qualification
What You Will Be Doing Tech Breakdown
- 40% Government Program Management & Stakeholder Coordination
- 35% Hardware Development Lifecycle Leadership
- 25% Cross-Functional Integration & Manufacturing Readiness
Daily Responsibilities
- 45% Program Execution (managing timelines, milestones, deliverables, metrics tracking, risk mitigation for government-funded R&D initiatives)
- 30% Technical Collaboration (partnering with mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering teams to deliver field-ready solutions)
- 25% Production & Integration (driving factory readiness, pre-production builds, supplier coordination, BOM management, and platform integration support)
The Offer
You will receive the following benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Equity Compensation
- Paid Time Off
- Hybrid work flexibility in Chicago, IL
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.
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