Thermal Engineering Manager

NR Consulting; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NR Consulting in San Francisco, CA seeks a Thermal Engineering Manager to lead hardware and thermal product development from concept through production launch. You will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, and operations to deliver on aggressive timelines in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will be a strong program leader with experience in NPI, cross-functional collaboration, risk identification, and effective stakeholder communication.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary hardware projects.
• Strong program management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams through end-to-end product development from concept to production.
• Establish program schedules, milestones, priorities, deliverables, and action plans.
• Track status, identify risks, and drive mitigation plans.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations activities.
• Support build planning, tooling, and production readiness.
• Drive NPI and production ramp with continuous improvement.
• Communicate status, risks, and actions to stakeholders.
• Travel up to 25% may be required.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Project planning

Risk management

Communication

Fast-paced environment adaptation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Master's degree is a plus

Job description

NR Consultingis currently seeking a highly motivated Thermal Engineering Manager for an opportunity in San Francisco, CA – Onsite!

Position Title:

Thermal Engineering Manager

Anticipated Start Date:

08/17/2026.

Please note this is the target date and is subject to change. NR consulting will send official notice ahead of a confirmed start date.

Salary Range:

$120K - $160K/Annum plus benefits

Please note that actual compensation may vary within this range due to factors such as location, experience, and job responsibilities, and does not encompass additional non-standard compensation (e.g., benefits, paid time off, per diem, etc.).

Job Description:

Our client is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineering Manager to join a growing engineering organization focused on hardware and thermal product development. This role will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and customer-facing teams to drive products from early concept through development, validation, and production launch.

The ideal candidate is a strong program leader who can manage multiple priorities, build effective cross-functional relationships, identify risks early, and drive projects to successful completion in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Project Management:

• Lead cross-functional teams through end-to-end product development, from concept through production launch.
• Establish program schedules, milestones, priorities, deliverables, and action plans.
• Track program status, identify risks and dependencies, and drive timely mitigation plans.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, materials, quality, and operations activities to support program execution.
• Support build planning, resource coordination, tooling, equipment, fixtures, and production readiness.
• Partner with manufacturing and engineering teams to support NPI, production ramp, and continuous improvement activities.
• Manage competing priorities and resolve issues that could impact schedule, cost, quality, or delivery.
• Communicate program status, risks, priorities, and required actions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support commercial and project-related activities, including quotations, cost discussions, and program documentation.
• Serve as a key point of contact for assigned customer and internal teams.
• Coordinate schedules, development milestones, build plans, deliverables, and approvals.
• Facilitate communication between engineering, operations, manufacturing, supply chain, and other functional teams.
• Provide clear and concise program updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Support design-for-manufacturing activities, technical reviews, and product development milestones.
• Coordinate customer meetings and site visits when required.
• Maintain strong professional relationships while managing expectations and resolving issues effectively.
• Up to approximately 25% travel may be required, including occasional international travel.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience in program management, project management, product management, or a related engineering environment.
• Experience supporting NPI, hardware development, or product manufacturing programs.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Strong project planning, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of program/project management experience in electronics, hardware, thermal, or related manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of hardware design, mechanical assemblies, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with quoting, cost structures, budgets, or commercial project activities.
• Experience supporting product launches and production ramp-up.
• PMP or other recognized program/project management certification is a plus.
• Experience working with global teams and international manufacturing partners.
• Mandarin language skills are a plus.

About NR Consulting

Founded in 2005, NR Consulting is a leading global provider of workforce solutions, technology services, and recruitment strategy, trusted by Fortune 500 and mid-sized organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with a Global Delivery Center in India, NR Consulting partners with clients to drive innovation, accelerate business outcomes, and deliver scalable talent solutions across industries such as engineering, information technology, energy, life sciences, and manufacturing.

With a strong belief in the power of people and performance, NR Consulting has built a reputation for excellence in direct hire, contract staffing, and project-based consulting. Our commitment to integrity, diversity, and client success has enabled us to consistently deliver top-tier professionals who help businesses achieve their strategic and operational goals.

Guided by our core values — People First, Accountability, Excellence, and Partnership — we take pride in fostering long-term relationships with clients and candidates alike. Our multicultural teams work collaboratively across geographies to provide agile, high-quality, and results-driven solutions that make a measurable difference.

NR Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

This posting is not an offer of employment. All applicants applying for positions in the United States must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The submission of intentionally false or fraudulent information in response to this posting may render the applicant ineligible for the position. Any subsequent offer of employment will be considered employment at-will regardless of the anticipated assignment duration.