Senior Hardware Program Manager

About the Role Fresh Consulting is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Program Manager to independently lead complex, multi-disciplinary hardware and software programs from concept through production, coordinating across hardware, firmware, mechanical, and software teams to deliver on time, on budget, and to quality standards. What You'll Do

• Program Leadership & Execution: Lead complex, multi-disciplinary hardware and software programs from concept through production, independently managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality throughout the product lifecycle (EVT, DVT, PVT phases). Coordinate requirements and deliverables across hardware, firmware, mechanical, and software engineering teams, resolving conflicts, dependencies, and technical tradeoffs while ensuring teams understand architectural priorities.
• Manage hardware-specific program elements including supplier/vendor relationships, EMS partnerships, component sourcing, BOM management, and manufacturing transition planning.
• Oversee hardware validation, testing programs, and regulatory compliance processes (FCC, CE, UL certifications) to ensure products meet quality standards and market requirements.
• Ensure programs execute successfully on time, on budget, and in scope by actively managing scope, schedule, resources, risks, and quality metrics throughout the program lifecycle.
• Partner independently with external clients and stakeholders at all levels to understand needs, translate them into actionable program goals and deliverables, and drive strategy-aligned outcomes.
• Communicate program status, risks, and recommendations effectively to diverse audiences—from engineering teams to executive leadership—tailoring message and channel to achieve desired outcomes.
• Develop comprehensive solution plans and articulate dependencies, tradeoffs, risks, and benefits to all stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
• Set clear expectations with clients, internal stakeholders, team members, and leadership, building trust through candid conversations and transparent communication.
• Program Planning: milestone management, capacity planning, resource forecasting, and financial tracking to maintain program health.
• Define and embed project controls and governance frameworks tailored to each program’s needs, ensuring appropriate rigor without bureaucracy.
• Monitor key program health metrics, identify potential deviations early, and define corrective actions for critical issues before they impact program success.
• Ensure all technical and non-functional requirements (reliability, scalability, security, manufacturability) are documented, tracked, and executed appropriately.
• Manage program changes to scope, schedule, and costs using appropriate project/program management methodologies adapted to hardware development cycles.
• Build, develop, and coach high-performing cross-functional engineering teams, providing hands-on guidance and support to facilitate sustainable velocity.
• Deal effectively with ambiguous and unstructured problems, bringing clarity and structure to help teams move forward.
• Drive process improvement and adoption of best practices (processes, tools, methodologies) to improve program delivery effectiveness and team efficiency.
• Leverage various project management frameworks and methodologies (waterfall, agile, hybrid) appropriately, meeting teams and clients where they are while guiding them toward optimal practices. What We're Looking For
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• 8+ years in hardware development industry with at least 5+ years in technical program management roles, demonstrated.