Operations Engineering Manager

Celestica International LP•San Jose, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Execution Lead with a strong background in hardware development to drive the execution of Celestica’s strategic initiatives in Agentic Design Automation (ADA) and AI-optimized infrastructure. This is a high-visibility, cross-functional role reporting directly to Engineering leadership. You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of our EDA tools (e.g., Schematic tools, SI/PI tools, Thermal tools, Mechanical tools) AI hardware roadmap, the enterprise-wide adoption of cutting-edge engineering tools (including internal Gemini Enterprise AI workflows), and the governance of our multi-million-dollar global Intellectual Property (IP)/patent portfolio. By tightly coordinating across global engineering domains, IT, Legal, and external partners, you will ensure our teams are equipped to accelerate high-performance hardware design.Detailed DescriptionThe Technical Execution Lead will drive execution across four primary tracks: 1. AI Hardware Strategy and AI Tools Manage the end-to-end execution lifecycle for AI hardware design, translating high-level strategic roadmaps into tracked, actionable engineering phases and work packages. Drive cross-functional alignment across hardware engineering, software engineering, IT, and external partners to convert complex technical requirements into strict, measurable project schedules. Drive the rollout and enablement of enterprise AI tools to fundamentally optimize the overall hardware design process. 2. Patents and Intellectual Property Governance Govern the IP capture workflow, including drafting, forecasting, and securing the budget required for the global patent portfolio. Manage the patent review lifecycle by partnering with the Patent Chairs, the Patent Committee, Legal, and external counsel to establish and enforce review SLAs. Schedule review boards, track reviewer metrics, and hold committee members accountable to ensure timely technical evaluations and prevent pipeline bottlenecks. 3. Engineering EDA Tools with a Focus on AI Partner closely with Engineering Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). While SMEs handle daily tool administration, this role strictly focuses on driving the adoption of the latest advanced tool capabilities—specifically native AI features. Drive global standardization by ensuring the consistent adoption of common toolchains and software versions across all distributed engineering sites (e.g., US, China) and downstream manufacturing facilities. Manage the global license repository, including tracking usage, adoption, and compliance across different global sites. 4. Hardware Engineering Action Items Drive and close critical action items for the Hardware Engineering VP and team related to the strategic tracks and key initiatives mentioned above, ensuring seamless execution, follow-through, and resolution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. A Master's degree is preferred.
9+ years of total experience, including at least 3 years in a Technical Execution Lead, Project Execution, or closely related role managing complex, high-speed hardware development lifecycles (e.g., servers, switches, networking equipment).
Demonstrated strong technical understanding of the hardware engineering lifecycle, covering at least three of the following domains. Familiarity with major hardware and simulation tools (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens) is strongly preferred.
Proven ability to manage large, complex initiatives across multiple time zones, utilizing standard execution methodologies (e.g., agile, waterfall).
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical strategy and execution status to both executive leadership and technical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating with legal or patent teams, or direct experience in the invention disclosure process, is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Manage the end-to-end execution lifecycle for AI hardware design, translating high-level strategic roadmaps into tracked, actionable engineering phases and work packages.
Drive cross-functional alignment across hardware engineering, software engineering, IT, and external partners to convert complex technical requirements into strict, measurable project schedules.
Drive the rollout and enablement of enterprise AI tools to fundamentally optimize the overall hardware design process.
Govern the IP capture workflow, including drafting, forecasting, and securing the budget required for the global patent portfolio.
Manage the patent review lifecycle by partnering with the Patent Chairs, the Patent Committee, Legal, and external counsel to establish and enforce review SLAs.
Schedule review boards, track reviewer metrics, and hold committee members accountable to ensure timely technical evaluations and prevent pipeline bottlenecks.
Partner closely with Engineering Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). While SMEs handle daily tool administration, this role strictly focuses on driving the adoption of the latest advanced tool capabilities—specifically native AI features.
Drive global standardization by ensuring the consistent adoption of common toolchains and software versions across all distributed engineering sites (e.g., US, China) and downstream manufacturing facilities.
Manage the global license repository, including tracking usage, adoption, and compliance across different global sites.
Drive and close critical action items for the Hardware Engineering VP and team related to the strategic tracks and key initiatives mentioned above, ensuring seamless execution, follow-through, and resolution.