Technical Program Manager - Hardware

Title: Technical Program Manager - Hardware
Job Type: Contract
Contract Length: 6+ months
Pay Range: $85-95/hr
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Hybrid - in Foster City, CA (3 days onsite)

About the Opportunity:

Our client, a leader in the Technology sector, is looking for a skilled Technical Program Manager - Hardware to join their team for a 6+ months engagement. This project involves delivering the compute and controls hardware, infotainment and telematics control units, and electrical components that power the future fleet of self-driving vehicles, with a focus on compute, controls, and network-related hardware platforms. This is a high-impact role that requires a self-motivated professional who can hit the ground running and deliver results quickly.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

This role is focused on the successful completion of specific tasks and deliverables. Your responsibilities will include:

• Plan and Execute Strategically: Translate company goals and vehicle milestones into a clear, end-to-end program plan, defining workstreams, resourcing, and timelines in collaboration with the cross-functional core team.
• Problem Solving: Proactively identify and mitigate risks, determine root cause, evaluate options, and implement solutions that drive progress and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Drive Issue Resolution: Own Jira hygiene and issue-resolution targets, supporting the team in resolving critical issues and cross-team requests within agreed timelines.
• Communicate Status: Develop and maintain standard reports and one-pagers to communicate program status, risks, issues, and achievements concisely and effectively to key stakeholders and leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with engineering teams and partners across hardware, firmware, software, vehicle engineering, procurement, and manufacturing.

Required Skills & Experience:

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of successful contract engagements. The ideal candidate will have:

• 8+ years of hardware program management or hardware engineering management experience, leading cross-functional teams across the full development lifecycle.
• Deep expertise in the hardware development cycle, with proven experience delivering hardware/software integrated programs for compute, controls, network-related hardware platforms, or consumer electronics. This isn't a learning role—you need to be a subject matter expert.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage your own time effectively to meet project goals; must be a self-motivated and proactive problem solver who remains flexible and calm in the face of uncertainty.
• Experience with tools used to manage complex projects (e.g., Jira, Gantt charts, Google Workspace) and prior experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs) and prototype suppliers.
• Strong communication skills to develop and deliver clear, well-structured, and concise communications, tailored to the appropriate audience.

W2 only (No C2C or 1099 contractors)

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