Program Manager - Robotics

Nextpower; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Bonus and equity

Unlimited paid time off

Job summary

Nextpower in Fremont, CA seeks an experienced Program Manager to own and drive hardware NPI programs from development through production ramp. You will coordinate across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and external partners to ensure on-time, on-quality execution aligned to business goals.

The role emphasizes disciplined program management, risk mitigation, and ROI-driven decisions, with opportunities to lead automation and digital manufacturing initiatives in a fast-paced energy tech

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 8–12 years of hardware program management, NPI, manufacturing, or supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional programs from development through production ramp.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (PCBA, Box Build assembly, machining, automation) and supply chain functions.
• Familiarity with PLM systems, change management, and manufacturing test processes.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and deliver results in fast-paced environments.
• PMP or equivalent certification; Project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheets) and dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as single-threaded owner for assigned programs, committing to outcomes and delivering with urgency.
• Develop and manage integrated program plans across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and external partners.
• Lead NPI builds (xVT, pilot, ramp, and/or post ramp qualifications) ensuring readiness across materials, test, tooling, and factory operations.
• Drive structured execution with milestones and high say-do ratio across stakeholders.
• Coordinate delivery with contract manufacturers through the NPI to ensure on-time material procurement, assembly, testing, field testing & PPAP.
• Identify and mitigate material, capacity, and operational risks.
• Advance automation readiness to improve throughput, quality, and scalability.
• Lead structured root cause and corrective action efforts when issues arise.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

NPI hardware programs

Supply chain operations

Manufacturing processes

PLM systems

Change management

Influence without authority

Project management tools

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field

PMP or equivalent certification

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheets

Dashboards

Job description

Job Description:Job SummaryThe Program Manager will be based in Fremont, South and report to Supply Chain Program Management.The Program Manager leads cross-functional programs in Hardware New Product Introduction (NPI), qualification, production ramp and/or Post Ramp Qualification through EOM.As the single-threaded owner within Supply Chain and Operations, this role is accountable for schedule, cost, quality, manufacturing readiness, automation readiness, and risk management — ensuring on-time, on-quality, and on-cost execution aligned to business objectives.This leader demonstrates Accountability by owning outcomes end-to-end, Collaboration by partnering across global teams, Customer Focus by delivering what matters most, Innovation by driving scalable automation and process improvements, and Integrity by making principled, data-driven decisions.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Ownership & ResultsServe as single-threaded owner for assigned programs — committing to outcomes and delivering results with urgency and discipline.Develop and manage integrated program plans across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and external partners.Lead NPI builds (xVT, pilot, ramp, and/or post ramp qualifications) ensuring readiness across materials, test, tooling, and factory operations.Drive structured execution, clear milestones, and strong say-do ratio across all stakeholders.Business Acumen & ROIUnderstand and support the program business case, including cost targets, margin objectives, and customer commitments.Evaluate capital investments, automation initiatives, and sourcing strategies using ROI and Total Cost of Ownership principles.Make balanced tradeoff decisions connecting technical execution to financial performance and long-term scalability.Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Automation ReadinessCoordinate the delivery with the contract manufactures of products through the NPI to ensure on-time “turn” for material procurement, product assembly and product testing, field testing & PPAP.Identify and mitigate material, capacity, and operational risks.Assess and advance automation readiness across manufacturing and test environments to improve throughput, quality, and scalability.Champion process improvements that simplify workflows and increase reliability.Risk, Problem Solving & Intelligent Decision-MakingProactively identify risks and drive mitigation plans with transparency and urgency.Lead structured root cause and corrective action efforts when issues arise.Demonstrate resilience under pressure and adaptability in dynamic environments.Challenge the status quo and take intelligent risks that move the business forward.Communication & LeadershipAct as primary liaison between internal teams and external partners.The ability to influence others and negotiate solutions in critical decisions.Communicate clearly and respectfully at all levels, fostering trust and alignment.Encourage curiosity by actively listening and incorporating diverse perspectives.Model integrity, respect, and accountability in all interactions.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).8-12 years of experience in hardware program management, NPI, manufacturing, or supply chain operations.Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional programs from development through production ramp.Understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., PCBA, Box Build assembly, machining, automation) and supply chain functions.Familiarity with PLM systems, change management, and manufacturing test processes.Proven ability to influence without authority and deliver results in fast-paced environments.Preferred QualificationsDegree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline.PMP or equivalent certification.Experience with Project Management Tools (Project Charter, MS Project, Smartsheets, etc), and dashboards.Direct experience with domestic and offshore Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliersExperience driving automation initiatives or digital manufacturing enablement.Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience. ·In-depth understanding of NPI and Product Development processesUnderstanding of quality tools (8D, 5 Whys, QMS, COE) and the ability to drive root cause and corrective action activities.Previous experience in Robotics manufacturing.Experience with program integration.Leadership Skills Expectations:Successful Program Managers at Nextpower:Drive Results with urgency and full ownership.Demonstrate Accountability by committing and delivering.Lead through Collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives.Operate with strong Business Acumen, connecting execution to financial outcomes.Show Customer Focus by solving what matters most.Practice Integrity and Respect in every decision.Embrace Innovation and Intelligent Risk Taking to power what’s next.Exhibit Resilience, Reliability, Adaptability, and Self-Awareness in dynamic environments.Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower’s benefits please view our company website at www.nextpower.com . Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $ 145,000 to $155,000 . This role is also eligible for bonus and equity as part of the total compensation packageAt Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.We are Nextpower