Hardware Module NPI Operations Program Manager

Taara•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Taara is seeking an Hardware Module NPI Operations Program Manager to own our v2 Product supply chain Ramp Readiness. The NPO Hardware Module Operations PM acts as the subject matter expert (SME) to collaborate with Product Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Vendor Teams to coordinate the development, implementation, and optimization of end-to-end manufacturing test and quality control management solutions for Taara v2 Modules throughout the entire product lifecycle. This role ensures Module suppliers deliver manufacturing excellence by establishing the highest quality standards across the supply chain, ensuring all components, modules, sub-assemblies, and system-level (Electrical, Mechanical, SW/FW dependencies and Control Systems) products meet rigorous quality, yield, and long-term performance specifications that align with the Product Launch.

Requirements

Bachelor's in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Project Management Certification) and 7+ years of NPI, manufacturing engineering experience demonstrating the ability to collaborate with global cross-functional teams, developing project schedules, product configuration, and build management through proto-EVT-DVT-PVT phases.
5+ years utilizing data analysis tools to monitor test yields, identify trends, root cause failures, and drive continuous improvement across our Supplier Chain which will provide supply chain transparency, including yield metrics, KPIs, and module test strategy gaps.
Systems Integration (Electrical, Mechanical, SW/FW dependencies and Control Systems) & Critical Thinking skills to resolve complex manufacturing challenges, prioritize critical path or parallel work-streams to reduce ambiguity into actionable plans.
Proven Track Record leading Supply Chain Test Coverage and Product Performance Program development, implementation, and scaling of a robust manufacturing test, quality and reliability performance program (ie. scorecards, KPI reviews, yield management, corrective actions etc.)
Lead Cross-functional teams, collaborated and coordinated organizational communications, escalating key issues and solutions to executive teams.
Partner with Product Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to coordinate the development, implementation, and optimization of end-to-end manufacturing test and quality control systems.
Demonstrated history of generating, creating, and maintaining detailed test specifications, process instructions, engineering change notices (ECNs), test hardware diagrams, engineering drawings, specifications, data analysis, and technical reports.
Experience preparing and presenting to Sr. Management level quality reviews, manage process/product improvements and lead quality audits at supplier sites that demonstrate your exceptional written and oral communication skills articulating technical concepts and quality metrics to diverse audiences, effectively bridging from high-level objectives to project details.
Ability to travel domestically/internationally to supplier sites on an as-needed basis (~10-15%).
Ability to work in the Sunnyvale office at least 3 days per week.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience raising the quality management system (QMS) bar to achieve Manufacturing Excellence through the application of QMS methodologies to mechanical, electrical and optical systems Assembly/System and Test processes, failure analysis using product lifecycle management (PLM) tools like Agile and/or Arena.
Possess deep expertise in developing test solutions for telecommunications equipment and/or industrial electronics, including PCBA, FATP, and system-level testing, with demonstrated experience in specialized testing of Cameras, Optics, Imaging systems, and telecommunications PCBAs in multiple outdoor environmental conditions.
A mission driven, solution-oriented mindset to influence partners, remove blockers, and achieve significant results in a fast-paced product development environment spanning multiple regions.
The ability to move fast combined with a vision to innovate faster. You have the capacity to launch products globally, raise supply chain performance and achieve manufacturing excellence in parallel with re-imagining NPO business systems using IT tools, AI, ML, and Google Cloud.

Responsibilities

Play a critical role in the entire product lifecycle from initial design reviews to mass production, ensuring each component, module, sub-assembly, and system-level product meets rigorous quality, yield, and performance specifications to support high volumes.
Achieve Module Supplier Ramp Readiness by acting as the primary technical interface between Engineering, Operations, and suppliers owning troubleshooting, and ensuring specification adherence.
Support prototype builds and mass production to achieve high test coverage and zero quality leaks.
Resolve supplier quality or design-related manufacturing issues cross-functionally.
Own DFx cradle to grave by defining test strategy and system development for product components, sub-assemblies, and system-level supplier testing. You are accountable for supplier testing requirements, developing test cases, defining acceptance limits and integrating them into product-specific test sequences.
You collaborate with Engineering to develop testability features, ensure test coverage, define production test plans, and influence product architecture for enhanced testability, manufacturability, and reliability.
Achieve Manufacturing Excellence by leading manufacturing test and quality control for the next-generation Taara Chip platform to ensure the highest quality standards across the supply chain including proto builds and production system integration.
Demonstrate your ability to innovate at scale by contributing strategically to the Taara NPO playbook development by defining innovative approaches to building a real-time quality management system, implementing processes that support rapid scaling of Taara’s Product Portfolio, and leveraging IT tools (Google Cloud, AI/ML, Test Automation, SW systems) to accelerate time-to-market while reducing development costs.