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Hardware Operations Program Manager

Applied Intuition· Hardware
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SunnyvaleFull-timePosted 2w ago

About the role

Role focused on bridging high-rate hardware iteration with rigorous quality, safety, and field-reliability requirements. Own product manufacturing execution and operational bring-up from early prototypes to validation and launch, collaborating with contract manufacturers, tier-1 suppliers, and system integrators.

Responsibilities

  • 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 speed with safety, compliance, and field-durability demands of industrial/heavy-vehicle deployments.
  • Oversee BOM 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 with Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems Engineering.
  • Partner with Strategic Sourcing to track product COGS, manage tooling NRE budgets, and execute cost-reduction roadmaps.
  • Lead factory line bring-ups, build yield tracking, and initial line-stop escalations domestically and internationally.
  • Enforce rigorous quality standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or 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.

Qualifications

  • 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).

Skills

Required:Program managementVendor and supplier managementDFM/DFSQuality managementPLM/ERP/tools

Benefits

  • Base salary, equity, and benefits including comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401k with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off.
Last updated Oct 11, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Applied Intuition

Building vehicle intelligence | Applied Intuition

Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company with the tools, Vehicle OS, and autonomy stacks for creating safe, AI-powered vehicle experiences.

AIAutonomy stacksSelf-Driving SystemSimulationTesting & ValidationVehicle IntelligenceVehicle OSai-infrastructure-and-development
Company profileWebsite

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