Technical Program Manager

About the role

This role owns the end-to-end orchestration of hardware development programs from pre-silicon through system validation and manufacturing readiness. The hire will establish and operate lightweight, scalable processes that bring predictability to project delivery in a high-growth startup environment. You will translate company objectives into actionable software programs while improving planning and execution practices across global teams. This position requires comfort with fast-paced, geographically distributed collaboration and a commitment to delivering high-quality products on schedule. Together, you will help shape the endless possibilities of AI by enabling the engineering organization to execute with clarity and efficiency.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead end-to-end program management across post-silicon and system hardware development cycles, coordinating activities from preparation for silicon arrival through validation.
• Prepare for silicon arrival by creating lab space, bring-up systems and boards, production EVK design, and validation across Silicon & Systems Hardware, Firmware, QA, and Manufacturing engineering teams.
• Drive firmware deployment and development efforts leading up to the demonstration of all key features of the chip and systems.
• Conduct power and performance characterization and manage demo version delivery, leading up to the kickoff of qualification phases such as silicon qual, board qual, product qual, and NPI.
• Establish well-defined and predictable milestones for development within the company and with third-party partners.
• Coordinate delivery across teams located in North America, India, Serbia, and Australia, ensuring alignment and timely progress.
• Define metrics, create dashboards, and implement reporting to track program progress and overall health.
• Develop playbooks and best practices for program management across the organization to support cross-functional deliveries.
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery schedules and quality before they escalate.
• Act as a liaison between hardware teams and company leadership, providing clear updates and strategic insights.
• Collaborate with Product, Hardware, and other partner teams to manage dependencies and resolve integration challenges.
• Ensure that program management practices evolve to support scaling needs while maintaining a focus on execution quality.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of 10+ years of experience in IC chip and board development, functioning as an engineer, engineering manager, or technical program manager, with at least the last 3 or more years dedicated to technical program management.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to influence without authority in matrixed environments.
• Possess experience in companies managing complex software and hardware integration efforts from concept to launch.
• Show a proven track record of managing distributed, multi-region engineering teams across different time zones and cultural contexts.
• Have a strong understanding of the system development and qualification cycle, including familiarity with waterfall program management methodologies.
• Exhibit experience establishing scalable processes within fast-moving engineering organizations that operate under high uncertainty and aggressive timelines.
• Display a history of working closely with cross-functional teams to define milestones, manage risks, and ensure on-time delivery.
• Commit to upholding the standards required for successful product qualification and release processes in a hardware-intensive environment.

Nice to have

• Prior industry experience as an Engineering Manager responsible for chip-to-ship execution, covering post-silicon activities through product launch.
• Background in datacenter hardware development companies where system integration and performance validation are critical.
• Experience scaling engineering teams during Series B/C stages of startup growth, managing increased complexity and process demands.
• Proficiency with JIRA, Smartsheet, and integration into broader project toolchains for tracking and reporting.
• Experience managing external dependencies and customer-driven timelines, aligning internal plans with market commitments.

Practical notes

Work is conducted in a hybrid model, with mandatory onsite presence at the Santa Clara, Ca headquarters for 3 to 5 days per week to ensure close collaboration and alignment. The role requires availability during standard business hours to coordinate with global teams and support critical milestones. Travel may be required to support hardware validation, partner engagements, or facility visits as dictated by project needs. This position is eligible for full-time employment under the company's equal opportunity policies, and all hiring decisions are based on skills and qualifications. Applications must demonstrate direct relevance to the outlined responsibilities and required experience to be considered for initial review.