Technical Program Manager - Hardware

Title: Technical Program Manager - Hardware

Job Type: Contract

Contract Length: 5+ months

Target

Start Date:

ASAP

Work Location/Structure: Onsite - Foster City, CA

Our client, a leader in the automotive industry, is looking for a skilled Technical Program Manager - Hardware to join their team for a 5+ month engagement. This project involves supporting the hardware development effort for autonomous hardware, infotainment electronic control units, and electrical components for future fleets of self-driving vehicles. This is a high-impact role that requires a self‑motivated professional who can work cross‑functionally with engineering leaders across software, hardware, vehicle engineering, and product to achieve strategic and tactical milestones.

You will work with engineering teams to develop project schedules, identify milestones, flag risks, estimate budgets, and clearly communicate ongoing progress.

• Program Delivery: Define tasks, resources, and timelines in collaboration with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to ensure successful program delivery that meets company’s milestones.
• Program Roadmap Development: Develop a program roadmap to effectively communicate deliverables to the stakeholders, and hold them accountable.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate risks in the program schedule.
• Decision Facilitation: Set agenda for key decisions to be made at each meeting to eliminate bottlenecks and minimize risks.
• Stakeholder Communication: Establish standard reports to provide concise and effective communications to key stakeholders on program status, issues/risks, and accomplishments.
• Resource Management: Work with engineers and finance teams to define and track resource requirements, including headcount and budget.
• Strategic Support: Support key decisions, working cross‑functionally across engineering, finance, and strategy to reach the right conclusions.

• 5+ years' experience in HW Program Management or Engineering Management work - managing cross‑functional teams on HW/SW integration in the development phase.
• Deep expertise in tools required to manage complex projects (i.e., JIRA, Gantt charts). This isn't a learning role—you need to be a subject matter expert.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage your own time effectively to meet project goals.
• BS degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• Prior experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs).
• Self‑motivated and proactive problem‑solver.
• An ability to keep the big picture in focus and to provide clear, well‑structured, and concise communications tailored to each appropriate audience.

• Directly managed 2+ program development cycles for a System with HW and SW integration involved.
• Experience in automotive industry and camera development.
• MS degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong references that highlight your ability to build strong working relationships with senior leaders and engineers across functions and departments.