Senior Hardware Engineering Manager

Direct Hire IT North Reading, Massachusetts

• Location:
  
  North Reading, Massachusetts
• Type:
  Direct Hire IT
• Job #20683

We're hiring a Senior Hardware Engineering Manager in North Reading, MA to lead our client's complex, high-visibility hardware programs as a technical engineering manager and program owner. This role is designed for an experienced Engineering Manager who combines people leadership, technical depth, and end-to-end execution accountability. The position owns hardware program delivery from concept through production, while managing and influencing cross-functional engineering teams across hardware, software, FPGA, and new product introduction (NPI).

This is a hands-on Engineering Manager (player-coach) role requiring direct involvement in technical decision-making, design reviews, execution planning, and issue resolution. The successful candidate will be accountable for team performance, execution quality, schedules, budgets, and delivery outcomes, while building confidence with senior leadership and stakeholders

Key Responsibilities
Engineering Management and Program Ownership

• Serve as the Engineering Manager responsible for full end-to-end hardware program execution
• Own delivery from concept and planning through development, manufacturing, and release
• Ensure alignment across resources, schedules, budgets, technical direction, and execution quality

Cross-Functional Engineering Leadership

• Lead and influence cross-functional teams across hardware engineering, software engineering, FPGA, mechanical, and logic design
• Operate effectively in a matrixed engineering environment, driving results without direct authority
• Provide technical leadership and decision-making support across all phases of product development

Technical Leadership and Player-Coach Expectations

• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions as a hands-on Engineering Manager
• Challenge assumptions, validate technical approaches, and diagnose complex system issues
• Maintain a strong technical foundation to guide teams, escalate risks, and resolve execution challenges

Program Execution and Delivery

• Partner with a Project Manager (PMP) in a two-in-the-box execution model
• Validate schedules, challenge plans, and ensure execution accountability
• Manage multiple concurrent programs with high complexity and visibility

People and Organizational Leadership

• Directly manage approximately 5 engineers, with responsibility for performance, development, and engagement
• Influence larger, indirect engineering organizations supporting programs of 50+ contributors and budgets up to $30M
• Mentor engineering staff and build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and execution excellence

Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Present program status, risks, and execution plans to senior leadership and executive stakeholders
• Communicate clearly across engineering, product, operations, and customer-facing teams
• Build trust and confidence that programs are being actively driven and managed

Required Qualifications

• BSEE required
• 10+ years of experience in hardware engineering and system design, with a focus on PCB-based products
• 5+ years of experience as an Engineering Manager, Hardware Engineering Manager, or Technical Engineering Leader
• Proven success delivering complex hardware products from concept through manufacturing
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and multiple concurrent programs
• Experience managing or influencing vendors and contractors

Engineering Manager Skills and Competencies

• Strong engineering management and people leadership capabilities
• Ability to set direction, prioritize work, and drive execution
• Comfort operating in matrixed organizations and influencing without authority
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level presentations
• Balance of technical depth and leadership mindset

Apply Now

This role is ideal for a Senior Hardware Engineering Manager seeking a high-ownership position with strong technical engagement, people leadership, and program accountability.

Local candidates in North Reading, MA with experience leading hardware engineering teams and complex product development efforts, are encouraged to apply for confidential consideration.