Senior Program Technical Lead

Starkey•Eden Prairie, MN

About The Position

The Senior Program Technical Lead is a senior engineering role focused on guiding the technical development of new hearing system programs. This position is responsible for ensuring that all technical aspects—such as functionality, performance, and integration—meet the highest standards for Starkey products, including hearing aids, accessories, manufacturing and fitting software, mobile applications, programmers, and related components. Key responsibilities include leading cross-functional engineering teams to design best-in-class hearing aid systems, solving complex technical challenges, and supporting other design groups to achieve successful product launches. The Senior Program Technical Lead plays a critical role in ensuring that products are ready for production and comply with Starkey’s Quality Management System (QMS). Unlike the Program Manager, who oversees schedules and task management, or the Product Manager, who focuses on product marketing, the Senior Program Technical Lead is dedicated to delivering the technical content of the program. This role requires strong communication skills, technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to collaborate across teams and departments. Building relationships with Product Management, Marketing, and Sales is essential to understand patient and clinician needs and translate them into product solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Systems Engineering or related field
Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in a product and/or technology development environment or Master of Science (MS) degree in lieu of a BS degree, with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience in a product and/or technology development environment
Advanced knowledge of product development, including the following areas: system design and architecture, requirements, risk management, verification and validation, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, packaging, labeling, use cases, configuration management, and issue tracking
Intermediate working knowledge of hearing aid architecture and design, hearing aid audiological features, programming software, manufacturing software, and hearing aid mobile applications
General to intermediate working knowledge of one or more of the following: analog, digital, and mixed signal circuits multi-component electrical devices, PC interfaces, communication protocols, digital design, digital signal processing (DSPs), and wired and wireless communication signal processing concepts, including: block diagrams, filters, Fourier analysis, audio, and acoustics software development process, source code control, version control, and high- and low-level programming languages
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability in problem solving and troubleshooting
Strong attention to detail
Proficiency in using typical bench-top equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, signal generators, audio analyzers, spectrum analyzers, voltmeters, etc.)
Must be self-motivated and able to work in a fast-paced team environment
Ability to work with minimal guidance to make decisions and report progress
Demonstrated leadership role in projects, including the ability to provide guidance and direction on the project to less experienced technical personnel
Experience with systems engineering processes, such as requirements management, configuration management, issue tracking tools, etc.
Proven ability to perform complex engineering analysis and calculations
Ability to effectively and efficiently manage time, establish priorities, and direct the work of more junior engineers

Responsibilities

Define the scope of the program during the commitment and design phases.
Gain alignment on scope changes.
Maintain the IP plan throughout the program.
Coordinate between Firmware, Mobile, Software, and Manufacturing organizations for timely IP releases.
Burn down critical issues starting in the design phase through release.
Communicate issues and their status to leadership.
Evaluate design decisions for implications on other functions.
Work with staff from all functions to ensure decisions are agreed upon.
Ensure performance is being evaluated during verification and validation.
Work with functional staff to resolve performance issues.
Facilitate technical meetings for the program/project
Drive cross-functional technical risk assessments for the program/project
Coordinate and drive cross-functional test planning, gap analysis, execution, and reporting
Own and drive the program/project technical issue visibility and resolution
Support the Program/Project Manager by providing impact analysis of the program/project schedules on any technical work, deliverables, and dependencies