Senior Program Manager – New Product Introduction

Jobtailor; North Carolina; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a proactive Program Manager in North Carolina to lead new product introduction and hardware programs from concept through production. You will coordinate pilot builds, process validation, and industrialization milestones while collaborating with manufacturing engineering, procurement, and EMS partners.

Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration are essential for success. The role requires PMP-like credentials or equivalent experience, expertise in PCBAs and

Qualifications

• PM/CFX program management experience in hardware/manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Kaizen, Scrum, Lean, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of PCBAs, semiconductors, and box-build assemblies.
• Proficiency with PLM/ERP tools and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence for new product introduction initiatives.
• Manage hardware programs from concept through production and pilot builds.
• Coordinate NPI programs from initiation through delivery.
• Collaborate with multiple functions including EMS/contract manufacturers.
• Maintain program status, schedules, and risks within PMO governance.
• Deliver portfolio-level reporting to leadership and stakeholders.
• Apply Kaizen, Lean, and Agile methodologies to optimize processes.
• Identify risks and implement proactive mitigations.
• Present status and recommendations to senior executives.

Skills

Program management

Kaizen

Lean methodology

Communication

Collaboration

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Equivalent practical engineering experience

Master's degree a plus

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Jira

Oracle

Job description

• Lead operational excellence for new product introduction initiatives
• Manage hardware programs from concept through production, including pilot builds, industrialization, and manufacturing process transfer
• Manage NPI programs from initiation through delivery, ensuring operational readiness and quality outcomes
• Coordinate pilot builds, process validation, and industrialization milestones
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, procurement, logistics, supply chain, EMS/contract manufacturing partners, product management, R&D, finance, marketing, and quality control
• Maintain program status, schedules, and risks within the PMO governance framework
• Deliver regular portfolio-level reporting to leadership
• Apply Kaizen, Lean, and Agile methodologies to optimize processes and enhance efficiency
• Provide guidance using engineering experience in mechanical, electrical, or industrial domains
• Identify program risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies
• Deliver timely stakeholder updates through reports and meetings
• Align program activities with organizational values and customer expectations
• Support contingency planning, dual sourcing strategies, and alternative supply routes with commodity managers and suppliers
• Use data analytics and technology to monitor supply-chain performance and implement data-driven resiliency solutions
• Present program status, risks, and recommendations directly to senior executive stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering OR equivalent practical engineering experience
• Proven program management experience in hardware or manufacturing environments
• Strong technical knowledge of PCBAs, semiconductor components, and box-build assemblies
• Experience with Kaizen, Scrum, Lean, and continuous improvement practices
• Proficiency with program management and PLM/ERP tools, including MS Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or Oracle
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across diverse teams
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-visibility environment
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred
• Master's degree a plus
• Experience working with EMS/contract manufacturing partners preferred
• Travel: 0-10%
• Candidate must be close to one of the following Itron sites: Austin, TX; Raleigh, NC; Oconee, SC

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing new product introduction initiatives and hardware programs, ensuring operational readiness and quality outcomes through effective collaboration and process optimization. Proficient in applying methodologies such as Kaizen, Lean, and Agile to enhance efficiency and mitigate program risks.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Program Management Experience
• Kaizen Methodology
• Lean Methodology
• PMP Certification
• Proficiency with PLM/ERP Tools

Hard Skills

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• PCBAs Knowledge
• Semiconductor Components Knowledge
• Box-Build Assemblies Knowledge
• Data Analytics
• Process Validation
• Manufacturing Process Transfer
• Continuous Improvement Practices

Soft Skills

• Excellent Communication
• Collaboration Skills
• Stakeholder Management
• Risk Management
• Adaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

• PMP Certification
• Project Management Credential

Industry Keywords

• New Product Introduction
• Operational Excellence
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Supply Chain Performance
• Contract Manufacturing

Tools & Technologies

• MS Project
• Smartsheet
• Jira
• Oracle