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# Technical Program Manager, Hardware

- **Company:** ROBOTIC MINDS LLC
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Configuration Management, Firmware, Gantt Charts, Hardware Design, Subsystems
- **Published:** October 16, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/technical-program-manager-hardware-palo-alto-ca--2555f3a0-6fe5-4804-bd0f-ebb717958797

## About the Role

* 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.

## Description

ResponsibilitiesEnd-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.QualificationsEducational 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.