Senior Hardware NPI Programs for Rack-Scale AI

Hardware FYI

San Jose (CA)

Hybrid

USD 170,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Engineering, Hardware NPI Program Manager to lead complex hardware programs from design release to productization and launch. You will own integrated plans and align hardware, systems, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to deliver customer-ready connectivity solutions for rack-scale AI infrastructure.

In this highly visible role, you will drive readiness reviews, manage risks, and ensure on-time execution across a globally distributed organization.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, operations, or related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
8–12 years of experience in hardware NPI, technical program management, manufacturing engineering, product operations, or related field.
Experience guiding hardware products or builds through development, validation, manufacturing, or launch.
Knowledge of hardware development, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, BOMs, ECTs, supplier coordination, and manufacturing release.
Ability to manage integrated schedules, milestones, risks, action items, budgets, and cross-functional dependencies.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to influence teams without direct authority in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

Define PCBA program schedules, build quantities, milestones, budgets, dependencies, and readiness criteria from concept through launch.
Lead prototype and new-product builds through PCB/PCBA fabrication, assembly, bring-up, validation, and launch.
Establish readiness reviews, decision forums, dashboards, and escalation paths for alignment.
Develop recovery plans when material shortages or supplier constraints threaten delivery.
Align product, hardware, systems, validation, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations around shared outcomes.
Identify blockers early and drive decisions to closure with clear recommendations.
Communicate concise, decision-oriented updates to technical teams, senior leaders, and external partners.
Confirm BOMs, fabrication data, suppliers, work instructions, deviations, and approvals before each build.
Serve as primary contact for contract manufacturers and external partners.