Technical Program Manager - Supply Chain & Manufacturing

About the role

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with its P3 system that captures solar energy, stores it as heat, and generates electricity on demand. Founded in 2023 and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Sam Altman, and Felicis, the company provides clean, modular, and scalable power for AI infrastructure. The Technical Program Manager will serve as the connective tissue between Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Operations, owning end‑to‑end execution of programs that take the P3 from design release through supplier onboarding, NPI builds, and volume production ramp. The role reports to the Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing and is based in Austin, TX, with required relocation.

Responsibilities

• Own cross‑functional program plans across Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations, including milestones, dependencies, critical path, and executive‑ready status reporting.
• Drive New Product Introduction (NPI) for P3 subsystems and modules: lead phase‑gate reviews (EVT, DVT, PVT), coordinate build plans, and close out exit criteria with engineering and ops.
• Manage the supplier program calendar—onboarding, tooling, first‑article, PPAP/FAI, and capacity commitments—and hold partners accountable to schedules and deliverables.
• Operate the production ramp by partnering with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to sequence build slots, material availability, and yield targets against delivery dates.
• Identify and resolve risks and bottlenecks such as component lead times, tooling delays, supplier quality issues, and design‑change impacts before they affect the critical path.
• Build the program‑management operating system: cadences, dashboards, risk registers, RAID logs, and change‑management processes that scale from units to fleets.
• Lead BOM release, ECO, and design‑change coordination between Engineering and Supply Chain to ensure changes land on the floor with correct parts, documentation, and training.
• Translate executive‑level goals into clear program objectives and KPIs (on‑time delivery, landed cost, yield, cycle time) and report progress with board‑level rigor.
• Travel to suppliers, contract manufacturers, and the Miami production site as needed to unblock programs in person.

Requirements

• 7+ years of program or project management experience in hardware, with significant exposure to supply chain, manufacturing, or operations at a product company.
• Proven track record driving NPI programs from prototype through volume production, preferably for complex electromechanical, thermal, or energy systems.
• Deep fluency in hardware terminology: BOMs, ECOs, PLM, MRP/ERP, tooling timelines, PPAP/FAI, lead times, Incoterms, capacity planning, and yield.
• Strong supplier and contract‑manufacturer facing experience, including schedule structuring, escalation handling, and commitment enforcement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief executives, align engineering leads, and coach supplier project managers.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.

Qualifications

• Experience at a venture‑backed hardware startup during a manufacturing ramp.
• Background in clean energy, thermal systems, heavy industrial equipment, automotive, or aerospace.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent program‑management credentials.
• Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Asana, Smartsheet, MS Project, Arena/Windchill, and NetSuite (or similar ERP).
• Willingness and ability to work primarily on‑site in Austin and travel domestically and internationally to suppliers and partners.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Relocation assistance.

Exowatt may use artificial intelligence tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications or analyzing resumes. Final hiring decisions are made by humans.