Principal Engineering Program Manager

About the role

In this pivotal position, you will oversee complex hardware programs from the initial stages of planning through to the manufacturing phase. Your role will involve collaborating with various engineering teams and external partners to ensure the successful development and production of innovative products. A key focus will be on aligning engineering deliverables with manufacturing capabilities to ensure that products meet qualification standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead intricate hardware programs through all phases of manufacturing planning, factory preparation, and execution of engineering builds.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to convert project requirements into actionable manufacturing and build plans.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among engineering, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Manage technical communications with external manufacturing partners to align with engineering and build goals.
• Oversee readiness activities, which include planning builds, setting up factories, and ensuring manufacturing test readiness.
• Guarantee that manufacturing tests are prepared by supervising the delivery and validation of production testing equipment and procedures.
• Work alongside engineering and validation teams to verify that manufacturing test coverage and acceptance criteria are met.
• Engage with external partners to validate manufacturing processes and infrastructure prior to engineering builds.
• Supervise the execution of engineering builds, proactively identifying and addressing technical and operational challenges.
• Coordinate the implementation of engineering changes throughout both development and manufacturing phases.
• Lead discussions on engineering and manufacturing challenges, facilitating root cause analysis and the development of corrective actions.
• Monitor program risks related to development, supplier readiness, and manufacturing, creating plans to mitigate these risks.
• Generate comprehensive program reports that outline build readiness, timelines, risks, and critical performance metrics.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives in engineering operations, build execution, and program management methodologies.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in leading complex hardware system development programs, particularly through engineering builds and manufacturing readiness phases.
• Proven experience working with ODM, JDM, or contract manufacturing partners.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing operations, new product introduction (NPI) processes, and engineering build execution.
• Demonstrated experience in ensuring manufacturing test readiness, including the development of production tests and their implementation in factories.
• Strong grasp of hardware development lifecycles, engineering change management, and the execution of cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, including Hardware, Electrical, Mechanical, Firmware, Validation, and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Exceptional skills in program planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with a talent for influencing leadership across engineering, operations, and manufacturing domains.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with server platforms, enterprise hardware, or high-performance computing systems.
• Understanding of manufacturing quality systems, failure analysis, and corrective action processes.
• Experience collaborating with global manufacturing sites and international engineering teams.
• Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Possession of PMP, Agile, or similar program management certifications.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in program planning and execution
• Expertise in risk management strategies
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities
• Knowledgeable in manufacturing operations
• Experienced in New Product Introduction (NPI) processes
• Skilled in engineering change management
• Proficient in production test development and factory test implementation

Practical notes

Graphcore provides a competitive salary along with a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Additional perks include commuter benefits, wellness services, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The company supports flexible working arrangements and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates and offering reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

About the company

Graphcore has built a new type of processor for machine intelligence to accelerate machine learning and AI applications for a world of intelligent machines