Hardware Operations Program Manager
Manage hardware operations and program execution for complex physical systems at a leading AI infrastructure company.
Posted by employer 13 hours ago
First seen on Joblaze 2 hours ago
Last verified on the company career page 2 hours ago
Skills & Technologies
What you'll build
- Drive end-to-end operational execution for complex physical hardware systems
- Manage build schedules and milestone gates across contract manufacturers
- Oversee BOM risk management and design reviews
- Lead factory line bring-ups and quality standards enforcement
- Manage Engineering Change Orders and running changes
Must have
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain Management
- 5+ years of experience in hardware operations, manufacturing engineering, or technical program management
- Proven track record delivering products in Consumer Electronics or a Complex Physical Industry
- Direct experience with hardware validation lifecycles
- Hands-on experience managing Tier-1 industrial suppliers and global Contract Manufacturers
Nice to have
- Experience spanning both fast-paced consumer tech and heavy industrial/automotive standards
- Deep knowledge of environmental testing for rugged applications
- PMP certification or formal Lean Six Sigma credentials
Practical constraints
- In-office expectation of 5 days a week
Requirements
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
The Hardware Operations Program Manager at Applied Intuition is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of complex physical hardware systems, from prototype builds to commercial launch. This role requires expertise in hardware validation processes and experience managing relationships with contract manufacturers and suppliers. Ideal candidates will have a background in hardware operations or manufacturing engineering, particularly within consumer electronics or heavy industries. The position is situated within a rapidly growing company that emphasizes rigorous quality and safety standards.
Joblaze insights
- Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 9, 2026. Last confirmed on Applied Intuition's careers page October 9, 2026.
- Project Management appears in 2.9% of 945 comparable senior management roles in United States; Supply Chain Management appears in 0.1% of 945 comparable senior management roles in United States.
Quick facts
- Is the Hardware Operations Program Manager role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Sunnyvale, California, United States.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Hardware Operations Program Manager role.
- Where is the role based?
- Applied Intuition is hiring for this position in Sunnyvale, California, United States.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Agricultural Robotics, Automotive, Construction, Consumer Electronics, Defense, ERP.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Applied Intuition targets senior candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Hardware Operations Program Manager role at Applied Intuition.
From the original posting
About the role
In this role, you will bridge high-rate, agile hardware iteration with the rigorous quality, safety, and field-reliability requirements of heavy, mission-critical physical hardware. You will own product manufacturing execution and operational bring-up—from early prototype builds through validation and commercial launch readiness—working directly with contract manufacturers, tier-1 suppliers, and system integrators.
At Applied Intuition, you will:
Dual-Domain Program Execution (NPI & Validation Bring-Up)
Drive end-to-end operational execution for complex physical hardware systems combining high-density electronics, embedded compute, sensors, hydraulics, or ruggedized enclosures.
Manage build schedules, clear-to-build (CTB) tracking, and milestone gates (Proto, EVT, DVT, PVT) across contract manufacturers (CMs), joint-development partners (JDMs), and internal engineering teams.
Balance the speed and rapid lifecycle expectations of consumer technology with the safety, compliance, and field-durability demands of industrial/heavy-vehicle deployments.
Supply Chain, Sourcing & Cost Management
Oversee BOM (Bill of Materials) risk management, identifying single-source components, long-lead industrial parts, and availability risks early in the design phase.
Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and design-for-serviceability (DFS) reviews alongside Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems Engineering.
Partner with Strategic Sourcing to track product COGS, manage tooling NRE budgets, and execute cost-reduction roadmaps.
Quality, Factory Bring-up & Field Readiness
Lead factory line bring-ups, build yield tracking, and initial line-stop escalations both domestically and internationally.
Enforce rigorous quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or military/industrial equivalents) and direct root-cause failure analysis (8D / CAPA) for build or early field-test failures.
Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and running changes to minimize scrap, rework, and field disruption.
We're looking for someone who has:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
5+ years of experience in hardware operations, manufacturing engineering, or technical program management.
Proven track record delivering products in Consumer Electronics OR a Complex Physical Industry (Automotive/Autonomous Vehicles, Heavy Trucking, Defense, Construction, Mining, or Agricultural Robotics/Equipment).
Direct experience with hardware validation lifecycles (EVT/DVT/PVT), high-reliability electronics assembly (PCBA), and system-level integration of heavy mechanical or electromechanical assemblies.
Supplier & Factory Operations: Hands-on experience managing Tier-1 industrial suppliers and global Contract Manufacturers (CMs).
Tools: Proficiency in PLM tools (Agile, Arena, Windchill), ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite), and project tracking software (JIRA, MS Project).
Nice to have:
Experience spanning both fast-paced consumer tech and heavy industrial/automotive standards (e.g., PPAP, APQP, functional safety/ISO 26262).
Deep knowledge of environmental testing for rugged applications (MIL-STD-810, IP ratings, thermal shock, high vibration).
PMP certification or formal Lean Six Sigma credentials (Green/Black Belt).
Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.
Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.
Standard company text repeated across Applied Intuition's postings is omitted here.