NPI Technical Program Manager : 26-01941

Technical Operations Program Manager

Primary Skills: NPI Program Management (Expert), x86 Hardware Platforms (Expert), Technical Operations (Expert), Hardware Manufacturing & PCBA (Expert), JIRA/CAD (Expert)

Contract Type: W2 Only Duration: 4+ Months Location: Santa Clara, CA Pay Range: $90 - $100 on W2

Job Summary: We are seeking a Technical Operations Program Manager to lead the New Product Introduction (NPI) and successful launch of x86 hardware appliances through global contract manufacturers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing hardware product development, manufacturing operations, and cross-functional engineering programs from concept through production. This role requires strong technical expertise in hardware development, manufacturing processes, supplier management, and program execution to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products while ensuring manufacturing readiness and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end NPI programs for x86 hardware platforms from development through production launch.
• Partner with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Test, Quality, Compliance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Contract Manufacturing teams to drive successful product execution.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, risks, dependencies, and phase-gate deliverables.
• Drive Hardware Validation, Product Characterization, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) activities.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness, order fulfillment readiness, and successful release of new SKUs and FRUs.
• Lead Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), component qualification, BOM traceability, and product lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to optimize cost, quality, manufacturability, and production scalability.
• Identify risks early, drive corrective actions, and lead continuous process improvements across the hardware product lifecycle.

Must-have Skills:

• 8+ years of experience in Technical Operations, Hardware Engineering, or NPI Program Management.
• Proven experience managing New Product Introduction (NPI) for x86 hardware platforms.
• Strong knowledge of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) and hardware manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with Hardware Validation, Product Characterization, DFM, DFA, DFT, and Release Management.
• Experience working with global contract manufacturers, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering organizations.
• Strong understanding of Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), BOM management, component traceability, and manufacturing readiness.
• Experience with product lifecycle and manufacturing tools such as Arena, Jira, Valor, and CAD.
• Strong project management, risk management, scheduling, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience driving cost reduction, supplier management, and multi-sourcing initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced product development environments.

Nice-to-have Skills:

• Experience with cybersecurity, networking, or enterprise hardware appliances.
• Knowledge of supply chain planning, repair engineering, and service logistics.
• Experience with Post Ramp Qualification (PRQ), optical transceivers, and hardware lifecycle optimization.
• Background in high-volume manufacturing and global operations.
• Experience mentoring engineering teams and driving operational best practices.

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