Technical Program Manager - Hardware

Palo Alto5+ years

Responsibilities

End-to-End Ownership: Lead the hardware development schedule from initial architecture and prototyping through validation, industrialization, and production ramp.
Program Planning: Create and maintain comprehensive program plans, Gantt charts, and action trackers across all active hardware subsystems (actuators, electronics, structures, and sensors).
Metric Tracking: Monitor and report on key program metrics—including cost, mass, reliability, and performance—against the schedule, while communicating status, blockers, and risks to leadership.
Risk Mitigation: Identify and escalate technical and supply chain risks early, leading rapid reaction plans to keep programs on track.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Coordinate across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams to align design milestones, integration timelines, and test readiness.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Partner with supply chain, supplier industrialization, and contract manufacturers to ensure parts and assemblies are delivered on time and to specification.
Configuration Management: Drive rigorous design reviews, change control processes, and BOM accuracy across all subsystems to ensure documentation is efficient and precise.
Validation & Testing: Support the planning and execution of Design Validation Testing (DVT) and Production Validation Testing (PVT) across all hardware subsystems.

Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, or a related field) or equivalent practical experience.
Industry Experience: 5+ years of experience in technical program management for complex hardware products (e.g., robotics, consumer electronics, automotive, or aerospace).
Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in shipping physical products from initial concept through mass production.
Technical Depth: Strong technical fundamentals with the ability to engage meaningfully in mechanical, electrical, and firmware design discussions without requiring translation.
System Complexity: Experience managing programs involving electromechanical systems with multiple interdependent subsystems (motors, PCBAs, sensors, structural assemblies).
NPI Mastery: Familiarity with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, including tooling qualification, PPAP, DVT/PVT, and first-article inspections.
Manufacturing Engagement: Experience working directly with contract manufacturers and global suppliers on industrialization and production readiness.
Execution & Ownership: High sense of urgency, comfortable with ambiguity, and driven by an "engineering curiosity" to understand how the entire system works.