Senior Program Manager

Jobtailor; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in California is seeking a senior Program/Project Manager to lead breakthrough product development programs from concept to launch. You will direct hardware, firmware, and software initiatives while aligning product management, engineering, industrial design, quality, operations, and manufacturing teams for on-time delivery.

The role requires 10+ years of program management in engineering or manufacturing, with strong lifecycle mastery and global supplier experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related STEM field.
• 10+ years of program and/or project management experience leading complex new product development initiatives in engineering or manufacturing environments.
• A proven track record managing multiple concurrent projects and integrated product programs, aligning cross-functional teams to deliver on schedule.
• Experience leading hardware, firmware, and software product development programs from concept through launch.
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, including both hardware development and software development processes.
• Experience working with global suppliers, ODMs, contract manufacturers, and overseas manufacturing partners.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Office and modern project tracking software.
• Bonus points for experience establishing or improving project governance, stage-gate reviews, PMO structures, or organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Manage Breakthrough Product Development Programs from Concept to Launch
• Lead multiple, complex new product development programs from concept through commercial launch that include hardware, firmware, and software
• Align cross-functional teams across Product Management, Engineering, Industrial Design, Quality, Operations, and Manufacturing
• Drive program planning, risk management, executive communication, and decision-making
• Coordinate global development activities with suppliers and strategic partners
• Champion Fast Time To Market (FTTM) methodologies and continuous improvement
• Help build a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence in execution

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk management

Executive communication

PMO governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related STEM field

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Smartsheet

Microsoft Project

Job description

• Manage Breakthrough Product Development Programs from Concept to Launch
• Lead multiple, complex new product development programs from concept through commercial launch that include hardware, firmware, and software
• Align cross-functional teams across Product Management, Engineering, Industrial Design, Quality, Operations, and Manufacturing
• Drive program planning, risk management, executive communication, and decision-making
• Coordinate global development activities with suppliers and strategic partners
• Champion Fast Time To Market (FTTM) methodologies and continuous improvement
• Help build a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence in execution

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related STEM field
• 10+ years of program and/or project management experience leading complex new product development initiatives in engineering or manufacturing environments
• A proven track record managing multiple concurrent projects and integrated product programs, aligning cross-functional teams to deliver on schedule
• Experience leading hardware, firmware, and software product development programs from concept through launch
• Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle, including both hardware development and software development processes
• Experience working with global suppliers, ODMs, contract manufacturers, and overseas manufacturing partners
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools, including Microsoft Office and modern project tracking software
• Bonus Points If You Have Experience establishing or improving project governance, stage-gate reviews, PMO structures, or organizational change within a growing or rapidly scaling company
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project
• Professional certifications such as PMP, Prosci, Lean Six Sigma, or similar
• Experience helping organizations improve program execution through modern product development methodologies.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing complex product development programs from concept to launch, with a strong focus on aligning cross-functional teams and driving program execution. Proficient in utilizing project management methodologies and tools to enhance product development processes and improve organizational performance.