Principal Product Manager (28385)

Principal Product Manager

We are seeking a visionary Principal Product Manager to own and drive the industrial design (ID) strategy for our next-generation server and desktop PC products. In this senior role, you will be the foremost expert in computer IDcovering rackmount servers, pedestal servers, workstations, and desktop PCs. You will define the physical language, user interaction, thermal aesthetics, and mechanical innovation that differentiate Supermicro in the market. Your mission is to bridge engineering, user experience, and brand identity to create iconic, functional, and manufacturable industrial designs that win in both data center and client computing environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Own Industrial Design Strategy for Compute Hardware Define and drive the ID roadmap for all server and desktop PC product lines.
• Establish design principles that balance cooling efficiency, serviceability, modularity, tool-less access, and visual identity for both rack-optimized and standalone systems.
• Lead End-to-End Product Design from Concept to Production Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineering teams to translate user needs and business goals into detailed ID specifications.
• Drive design reviews, prototype iterations, and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) to ensure seamless transition to production.
• Champion User-Centric & Human Factors Design Conduct user research with data center operators, IT managers, and PC enthusiasts to understand pain points in handling, servicing, cabling, and visual feedback. Translate insights into ergonomic handles, LED indicators, latch mechanisms, and front-panel I/O layouts.
• Define Aesthetic & Brand Language Across Form Factors Create a cohesive design language that scales from 1U servers to high-performance desktop towers. Manage CMF (Color, Material, Finish) strategies, including sustainable materials, surface treatments, and branding elements that reinforce Supermicro's quality and innovation image.
• Drive Cross-Functional Design Integration Partner with product management, thermal architects, hardware engineers, and supply chain to ensure ID solutions meet thermal, acoustic, EMI, and cost targets without compromising visual or functional quality. Lead rapid prototyping and design validation.
• Monitor Industry Trends & Competitive ID Landscape Analyze emerging design trends in enterprise and consumer computing, including modular server chassis, liquid-cooling integration, compact desktop footprints, and recyclable enclosures. Translate trends into actionable product design requirements.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. MBA or advanced degree in design strategy is a strong plus.
• Experience: Strongly preferred: 12+ years of hands-on industrial design experience in computer hardware, with a focus on servers (rack/tower) and/or desktop PCs. Proven track record of bringing multiple shipped products from concept to mass production, including detailed design for sheet metal, plastics, die-cast, and thermal management features. Deep expertise in ID for high-performance computing environments understanding constraints of airflow, component density, cable routing, hot-swap mechanisms, and tool-less servicing. Experience designing desktop PC chassis (e.g., tower, SFF, cube) with attention to consumer aesthetics, expandability, and cooling compatibility. Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or Rhino) and rendering tools (Keyshot, VRED). Familiarity with rapid prototyping (SLA, SLS, CNC) and production processes (stamping, injection molding, extrusions).
• Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills to articulate design concepts to engineering leadership, marketing, and external partners. Strategic thinker who can balance design ambition with cost, schedule, and thermal/mechanical realities. Self-motivated leader who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and is measured by design excellence, user satisfaction, and product differentiation.

Salary Range $200,000 - $230,000 The salary offered will depend on several factors, including your location, level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience, and comparison to other employees already in this role. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as participation in bonus and equity award programs.

EEO Statement Supermicro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Supermicro to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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