Staff Engineering Program Manager

About the role

Heron Power is developing advanced power electronics to modernize the electrical grid and support the transition to renewable energy. This role leads the execution of our next-generation power conversion platform, managing the product lifecycle from initial architecture through manufacturing. The position requires deep engagement with cross-functional teams to translate high-level objectives into executable plans that balance technical excellence with business constraints. You will act as the central orchestrator for our flagship power conversion product, ensuring alignment between engineering, manufacturing, and strategic goals. Success in this role will be defined by your ability to de-risk complex technical programs and drive them toward successful commercialization. You will own the detailed planning and oversight necessary to convert innovative power electronics concepts into reliable, manufacturable hardware. This is a hands-on leadership role that demands both strategic thinking and meticulous execution in a fast-paced development environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate the end-to-end integration of our initial product launch by defining and managing milestones for concept, architecture, validation, and production.
• Synchronize efforts between power electronics, firmware, software, and systems integration teams to maintain strict roadmap alignment and resolve dependencies.
• Architect and oversee program planning across hardware design, controls, reliability, supply chain, and manufacturing to ensure coherent execution.
• Partner with technical leads to document critical design tradeoffs and validate that product requirements remain consistent and achievable.
• Lead technical design, architecture, and validation readiness reviews to proactively surface risks and determine mitigation strategies.
• Drive the engineering BOM strategy and NPI readiness while continuously balancing cost, performance, and manufacturability constraints.
• Implement and manage DFMEA processes to systematically address potential failures in design, firmware, or manufacturing workflows.
• Cultivate a transparent execution culture by ensuring technical blockers are identified, communicated, and escalated early to stakeholders.
• Establish metrics and reporting structures that provide clear visibility into program health, schedule adherence, and technical status.
• Serve as a primary liaison with cross-functional partners to ensure alignment on timelines, deliverables, and quality expectations.
• Guide the development of system-level architectures that meet performance, cost, and regulatory targets.
• Support the development of test and validation plans that verify functionality, safety, and compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Facilitate root cause analysis for hardware and firmware issues, coordinating corrective actions across engineering teams.
• Promote best practices in requirements management to ensure traceability from customer needs through implementation and verification.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical with a focus on power electronics.
• Bring 5+ years of experience leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering programs involving both hardware and firmware domains.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage deeply with firmware and software teams regarding control loops, timing, and hardware dependencies.
• Show a proven track record of taking programs from early concept through prototype builds and successful manufacturing launch.
• Apply a strong understanding of DFM principles and the practicalities of scaling hardware production for high-volume manufacturing.
• Communicate technical risks and priorities effectively to both engineering staff and executive leadership across the organization.
• Thrive in high-growth startup environments where processes are minimal and adaptability is essential for progress.
• Exercise sound judgment in prioritizing tasks and managing competing demands in a dynamic, deadline-driven setting.
• Maintain a rigorous approach to documentation and follow-through to ensure program integrity and team alignment.
• Commit to working in an on-site role based in Scotts Valley as a core member of the engineering organization.

Nice to have

• Technical background in converter architectures, control strategies, and system-level tradeoffs relevant to power electronics.
• Hands-on experience debugging or validating inverters, rectifiers, or high-power conversion hardware in practical settings.
• Proficiency with PLECS or MATLAB/Simulink for power electronics modeling and simulation tasks.
• Experience with embedded firmware development for control systems that interface with power hardware.
• Familiarity with BOM management, PLM systems, and NPI workflows to streamline hardware introduction.
• Knowledge of UL or IEC compliance standards for power equipment and the implications for design and testing.
• Experience using Enovia PLM, CATIA, Jira, or Confluence to manage technical data and program artifacts.

Practical notes

This is an on-site position based in Scotts Valley. The role includes a competitive compensation package consisting of salary and equity.