Sr. Hardware Program Manager

About the role

Fresh Consulting is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Program Manager to lead complex, multi-disciplinary hardware and software engineering programs. This role requires a deep understanding of hardware development cycles and the ability to manage diverse technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, multi-disciplinary hardware and software programs from concept through production, independently managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality throughout the product lifecycle (EVT, DVT, PVT phases).
• Coordinate requirements and deliverables across hardware, firmware, mechanical, and software engineering teams, resolving conflicts, dependencies, and technical tradeoffs while ensuring teams understand architectural priorities.
• Manage hardware-specific program elements including supplier/vendor relationships, electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partnerships, component sourcing, BOM management, and manufacturing transition planning.
• Oversee hardware validation, testing programs, and regulatory compliance processes (FCC, CE, UL certifications) to ensure products meet quality standards and market requirements.
• Ensure programs execute successfully on time, on budget, and in scope by actively managing scope, schedule, resources, risks, and quality metrics throughout the program lifecycle.
• Partner independently with external clients and stakeholders at all levels to understand needs, translate them into actionable program goals and deliverables, and drive strategy-aligned outcomes.
• Communicate program status, risks, and recommendations effectively to diverse audiences—from engineering teams to executive leadership—tailoring message and channel to achieve desired outcomes.
• Develop comprehensive solution plans and articulate dependencies, tradeoffs, risks, and benefits to all stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
• Ensure clear expectations with clients, internal stakeholders, team members, and leadership, building trust through candid conversations and transparent communication.
• Provide comprehensive program planning including milestone management, capacity planning, resource forecasting, and financial tracking to maintain program health.
• Define and embed project controls and governance frameworks tailored to each program's needs, ensuring appropriate rigor without bureaucracy.
• Monitor key program health metrics, identify potential deviations early, and define corrective actions for critical issues before they impact program success.
• Ensure all technical and non-functional requirements (reliability, scalability, security, manufacturability) are documented, tracked, and executed appropriately.
• Manage program changes to scope, schedule, and costs using appropriate project/program management methodologies adapted to the specific needs of hardware development cycles.
• Build, develop, and coach high-performing cross-functional engineering teams, providing hands-on guidance and support to facilitate sustainable velocity.
• Deal effectively with ambiguous and unstructured business and technical problems, bringing clarity and structure to help teams move forward.
• Drive process improvement and adoption of best practices (processes, tools, methodologies) to improve program delivery effectiveness and team efficiency.
• Leverage various project management frameworks and methodologies (waterfall, agile, hybrid) appropriately, meeting teams and clients where they are while guiding them toward optimal practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• 8+ years in hardware development industry with at least 5+ years in technical program management roles, demonstrating progressive responsibility and independence.
• Proven track record of independently planning, executing, and delivering complex technical programs on time, on budget, and in scope.
• Deep understanding of hardware development cycles including EVT (Engineering Validation Test), DVT (Design Validation Test), and PVT (Production Validation Test) phases.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and transitioning products from development to production.
• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partnerships, supply chain management, and hardware cost structures/BOM management.
• Experience managing programs with diverse technical teams including hardware engineers, firmware developers, mechanical engineers, and software developers.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts to both engineering teams and executive leadership, framing discussions to drive decisions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience managing medium to large-scale technical systems and programs.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of hardware engineering principles and product development lifecycle (PLM) to effectively guide technical discussions and decisions.
• Knowledge of systems engineering, hardware architecture, and the interplay between hardware, firmware, and software components.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and certification processes for hardware products.
• Familiarity with technical risk management specific to hardware development (component obsolescence, supply chain, manufacturing yield, etc.).

Skills

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple complex programs simultaneously.
• Strong leadership presence with ability to influence and drive action across all levels of client and internal organizations without direct authority.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills with ability to turn friction into win-win scenarios and maintain productive team dynamics.
• High emotional intelligence and strong relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Established track record of accountability and follow-through, delivering on commitments consistently.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with ability to tailor communication style to different audiences.

Benefits

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law.

Absistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

Fresh Consulting is a participating E-Verify company.

Pay

Range $145K – $165K.

Schedule

N/A