Sr. Principal, Customer Program Manager

About the role

In this position, you will take charge of the entire lifecycle of AI hardware and software products, guiding them from their initial conception to their successful launch in the market. This role demands a unique combination of technical expertise to foresee potential challenges and program management skills to effectively plan and track progress. Your primary objective will be to guarantee that products are delivered on time and meet the expected quality standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and oversee detailed project plans, ensuring that product timelines are adhered to and milestones are met.
• Set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality benchmarks to maintain high standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide clear and concise updates on project status, risks, and interdependencies to all relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges, organizational hurdles, and bottlenecks that may affect product quality or delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, facilitating technical discussions and steering decision-making processes.
• Partner with Product Management and Engineering teams to outline requirements for strategic planning, execution, resource allocation, and project scope.
• Formulate systematic approaches for establishing product objectives, making informed decisions, and evaluating business impacts.
• Lead regular project reviews to assess progress, address issues, and adjust plans as necessary to ensure successful outcomes.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Engage with customers to gather feedback and insights, ensuring that their needs are met throughout the product development process.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project management processes and product delivery.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management, highlighting project achievements and areas for improvement.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, accompanied by a minimum of 15 years of experience in software/systems engineering or technical product/program management, ideally within the AI hardware/software domain.
• Alternatively, a Master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience will also be considered.
• Profound knowledge of AI hardware technologies, architectures, and their applications is essential.
• Exceptional project management, communication, and teamwork skills are required.
• Previous experience in roles that involve direct interaction with customers is crucial for this position.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Nice to have

• A Master's degree or PhD in engineering, computer science, or a related field is advantageous.
• Certification in project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Kanban is preferred.
• Experience in leading large-scale, complex hardware/software projects with numerous stakeholders and dependencies is a plus.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills to engage effectively with senior leadership and external partners.
• Familiarity with cross-functional collaboration, particularly with product management and engineering teams, to achieve product objectives.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in AI hardware technologies
• In-depth understanding of AI architectures
• Knowledge of AI applications
• Familiarity with project management methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, and Kanban

Practical notes

• This position is hybrid, requiring you to be on-site at the Santa Clara headquarters for 3-5 days each week.
• D Matrix does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruitment agencies; all interested candidates should apply directly through the company's official channels.

In this role, you will play a critical part in shaping the future of AI technology, ensuring that innovative products are delivered to market efficiently and effectively. If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for AI and a track record of successful project management, we encourage you to apply and join our dynamic team at D Matrix.