Technical Project Manager, R&D

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Technical Project Manager, R&D

Sonance is an industry leading manufacturer of Custom Install speakers and audio electronics. At Sonance, we believe life is better with music. Our mission is to create audio experiences that are heard, not seen. For over 40 years, we've been revolutionizing the audio industry with innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate into our customers' lives.

We're seeking a highly skilled and motivated Technical Project Manager to drive product development projects alongside our tight-knit R&D team. In our collaborative, small-team environment, you'll have significant influence on both product direction and company strategy—this is a high-impact role where your decisions and technical leadership truly matter. If you're energized by close collaboration, passionate about music and technology, thrive on working across multiple technical domains, and want to help shape the future of a respected audio brand—this is your opportunity to make your mark at Sonance!

** This position is on-site in San Clemente, CA.**

Since 1983, we've grown from our San Clemente headquarters into a global leader across three innovative brands - Sonance, James Loudspeaker, and IPORT. Our solutions enhance audio experiences in over 75 countries, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in both residential and commercial spaces. Our Electronics R&D team is a collaborative and innovative group focused on developing world‑class audio amplifiers and related electronics.

As a Technical Project Manager (TPM), you will play a pivotal role in bringing new products to life. This role requires a strong blend of project management skills, technical expertise, and leadership. You'll oversee the entire product development lifecycle, working closely with internal teams and global partners to ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Lead and manage the product development lifecycle, from definition to manufacturing ramp‑up and product launch.
• Collaborate with Product Managers on new product definitions and resource planning.
• Create and maintain thorough project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Partner with the NPI team to ensure smooth product launches.
• Coordinate efforts across teams, internal and external, to ensure alignment and prioritization.
• Oversee prototype validation with the Validation Engineer and Contract Manufacturer (CM) to test hardware and software prototypes, ensuring the product meets operational, performance, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive resolution of development issues both technical and non‑technical in nature.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in product development processes.
• Serve as technical thought partner to engineering team, facilitating design discussions and helping unblock technical challenges across disciplines.

• BS Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Audio, Physics, IT, or similar degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years working in the audio industry, ideally combining roles in project management, hardware‑development, software development, and test/validation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively across diverse cross‑functional teams.
• Experience managing projects in small, agile engineering teams (10 people or fewer) where team members wear multiple hats.
• 4+ years’ experience working with Asia‑based Suppliers and Contract Manufacturers.
• Extensive knowledge of audio electronics and amplifiers—this expertise is essential.
• Strong project management skills and proficiency with project management tools.
• Hands‑on experience working across the full product stack: hardware design, embedded firmware/software, application software, networking protocols, and web UI development.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 15% of the time.

• Hands‑on experience with small‑signal audio, mixed signal, power amplifier, and power‑supply…