Engineering Program Management, Systems Build

Hark; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Hark is looking for an Engineering Program Manager to lead system builds for AI consumer products from early prototypes to launch. This role involves collaboration with various engineering disciplines to ensure efficient builds and may require up to 30% in-region travel.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in consumer electronics, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex programs effectively.

Qualifications

• 6+ years executing and shipping high technology consumer electronics systems.
• Proven track record leading hardware builds end-to-end with contract manufacturers.
• Experience with high technology manufacturing processes and PCB technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead build planning and execution from early local prototypes through to launch.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to design builds covering validation needs.
• Travel in-region to direct execution and resolve issues on the floor.

Skills

High technology consumer electronics systems

Interpersonal communication

Information visualization

Education

BS in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline

Job description

About Hark

Hark is an artificial intelligence company building advanced, personalized intelligence. One that is proactive, multimodal, and capable of interacting with the world through speech, text, vision, and persistent memory.

We're pairing that intelligence with next-generation hardware to create a universal interface between humans and machines. While today's AI largely operates through chat boxes and decade-old devices, Hark is focused on what comes next: agentic systems that interact naturally with people and the real world.

To get there, we're developing multimodal models and next-generation AI hardware together - designed from the ground up as a single, unified interface for a new era of intelligent systems.

About the Role

We're looking for a world-class Engineering Program Manager to lead system builds for our AI consumer products, from early local prototypes through Proto, xVT, ramp, and launch. You'll partner closely with every engineering discipline to architect and execute builds that cover all validation needs and run efficiently on the floor. Location is flexible, with up to 30% in-region travel to ensure every build runs as planned.

Requirements

• 6+ years executing and shipping high technology consumer electronics systems at large OEMs
• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline
• Proven track record leading hardware builds end-to-end with contract manufacturers, and driving critical supply chain components
• Experience with high technology manufacturing processes, component lead times, PCB technologies
• Experience driving programs through prototype, xVT, ramp, and mass production
• Excellent interpersonal communication and information visualization skills
• Ability to travel in-region including extended stays during critical builds

Responsibilities

• Lead build planning and execution from early local prototypes through Proto, xVT, ramp, and launch
• Collaborate closely with EE, ME, SI, RF, thermal, and reliability teams to strategically design builds that cover validation needs and run efficiently
• Proactively surface program needs across cross-functional partners and align teams on direction before issues hit the line
• Drive in-depth technical engagements with vendors and contract manufacturers on design, process, and yield
• Travel in-region to factory sites to direct execution and resolve issues on the floor
• Own materials readiness, build schedules, and unit distribution across configurations
• Identify and close out schedule, material, and yield risks early through clear cross-functional decision-making
• Communicate program status, risks, and key decisions clearly to engineering and leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in an engineering discipline
• Deep engineering and manufacturing experience with some consumer electronic module technologies
• Experience leading NPI programs at scale across global CM partners
• Familiarity with BOM management, ECO flows, and validation DOE planning
• Calm under pressure, decisive in ambiguity, and energized by fast-moving programs
• Strong technical instincts and the judgment to know when to elevate

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $120,000 - $300,000 annually. The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.