Hardware Operations Program Manager

Applied Intuition•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•$180,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will bridge high-rate, agile hardware iteration with the rigorous quality, safety, and field-reliability requirements of heavy, mission-critical physical hardware. You will own product manufacturing execution and operational bring-up—from early prototype builds through validation and commercial launch readiness—working directly with contract manufacturers, tier-1 suppliers, and system integrators. At Applied Intuition, you will: Dual-Domain Program Execution (NPI & Validation Bring-Up) Drive end-to-end operational execution for complex physical hardware systems combining high-density electronics, embedded compute, sensors, hydraulics, or ruggedized enclosures. Manage build schedules, clear-to-build (CTB) tracking, and milestone gates (Proto, EVT, DVT, PVT) across contract manufacturers (CMs), joint-development partners (JDMs), and internal engineering teams. Balance the speed and rapid lifecycle expectations of consumer technology with the safety, compliance, and field-durability demands of industrial/heavy-vehicle deployments. Supply Chain, Sourcing & Cost Management Oversee BOM (Bill of Materials) risk management, identifying single-source components, long-lead industrial parts, and availability risks early in the design phase. Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and design-for-serviceability (DFS) reviews alongside Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems Engineering. Partner with Strategic Sourcing to track product COGS, manage tooling NRE budgets, and execute cost-reduction roadmaps. Quality, Factory Bring-up & Field Readiness Lead factory line bring-ups, build yield tracking, and initial line-stop escalations both domestically and internationally. Enforce rigorous quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or military/industrial equivalents) and direct root-cause failure analysis (8D / CAPA) for build or early field-test failures. Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and running changes to minimize scrap, rework, and field disruption.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
5+ years of experience in hardware operations, manufacturing engineering, or technical program management.
Proven track record delivering products in Consumer Electronics OR a Complex Physical Industry (Automotive/Autonomous Vehicles, Heavy Trucking, Defense, Construction, Mining, or Agricultural Robotics/Equipment).
Direct experience with hardware validation lifecycles (EVT/DVT/PVT), high-reliability electronics assembly (PCBA), and system-level integration of heavy mechanical or electromechanical assemblies.
Supplier & Factory Operations: Hands-on experience managing Tier-1 industrial suppliers and global Contract Manufacturers (CMs).
Tools: Proficiency in PLM tools (Agile, Arena, Windchill), ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite), and project tracking software (JIRA, MS Project).

Nice To Haves

Experience spanning both fast-paced consumer tech and heavy industrial/automotive standards (e.g., PPAP, APQP, functional safety/ISO 26262).
Deep knowledge of environmental testing for rugged applications (MIL-STD-810, IP ratings, thermal shock, high vibration).
PMP certification or formal Lean Six Sigma credentials (Green/Black Belt).

Responsibilities

Drive end-to-end operational execution for complex physical hardware systems combining high-density electronics, embedded compute, sensors, hydraulics, or ruggedized enclosures.
Manage build schedules, clear-to-build (CTB) tracking, and milestone gates (Proto, EVT, DVT, PVT) across contract manufacturers (CMs), joint-development partners (JDMs), and internal engineering teams.
Balance the speed and rapid lifecycle expectations of consumer technology with the safety, compliance, and field-durability demands of industrial/heavy-vehicle deployments.
Oversee BOM (Bill of Materials) risk management, identifying single-source components, long-lead industrial parts, and availability risks early in the design phase.
Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and design-for-serviceability (DFS) reviews alongside Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems Engineering.
Partner with Strategic Sourcing to track product COGS, manage tooling NRE budgets, and execute cost-reduction roadmaps.
Lead factory line bring-ups, build yield tracking, and initial line-stop escalations both domestically and internationally.
Enforce rigorous quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or military/industrial equivalents) and direct root-cause failure analysis (8D / CAPA) for build or early field-test failures.
Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and running changes to minimize scrap, rework, and field disruption.