Technical Program Manager, Hardware Engineering (Sensor & Radar Programs)

If you've managed complex hardware programs through multiple full development cycles and know what it takes to keep cross-functional teams aligned through ambiguity, read this carefully.Our client is adding a Technical Program Manager to support advanced sensor and radar hardware programs across both current and next-generation vehicle platforms. This is a high-visibility role inside one of the most technically ambitious hardware teams in the autonomous mobility space.⠀𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡This role sits inside the Advanced Hardware Engineering team and covers both ongoing vehicle platforms and early-stage next-generation platform development. On the new platform side, you will help engineers launch sensor architecture and support sensor selection in a genuinely undefined environment. You are not inheriting a finished program. You are building structure where structure does not yet exist.⠀𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬You will own radar and test asset hardware programs across multiple vehicle platforms. On existing platforms, the focus is smooth execution through hardware changes. On the new platform, you will partner directly with sensor engineers to define architecture, select components, and set the constraints that the program will operate within.You will work cross-functionally across hardware, software, vehicle engineering, finance, operations, and supplier teams. You will report into engineering leadership and communicate program status directly to senior stakeholders. This role requires onsite presence in Foster City five days per week and international travel, likely to Europe.⠀𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗪𝗡• Lead radar and test asset hardware programs across current and next-generation vehicle platforms• Drive alignment on ambiguous or undefined requirements by setting constraints, clarifying assumptions, and helping engineering teams move forward• Define and maintain program schedules, milestones, dependencies, and resource requirements using Jira and Gantt-based tooling• Identify risks and bottlenecks across hardware development stages and drive mitigation plans before they become blockers• Facilitate cross-functional decision-making to keep execution on track and reduce meeting overhead• Build and maintain program roadmaps and status reports for engineering leaders and senior stakeholders• Partner with engineering and finance teams to track headcount and budget across programs• Support sensor architecture planning and sensor selection activities on a new vehicle platform• Communicate tradeoffs, risks, and milestone status clearly to senior leadership• Travel internationally as needed to support supplier and program execution⠀𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞This role covers two very different environments at the same time. On current platforms, the work is disciplined execution: driving hardware changes smoothly through a mature program. On the new platform, requirements are not fully defined yet and you will need to build structure before you can execute against it. Strong candidates thrive in both modes. If you need a clean brief before you can move, this role will be frustrating. If ambiguity is where you do your best work, this is the right environment.Onsite five days per week in Foster City is a firm requirement. International travel is expected.⠀𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱:• 5+ years of hardware program management or engineering management experience• At least two full end-to-end hardware product development cycles, from kickoff through production ramp or max production• Deep understanding of hardware development stages and the goals, risks, and dependencies at each milestone• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and move teams forward when requirements are undefined• Strong cross-functional communication skills across hardware, software, supplier, and operations teams• Proficiency in Jira, Gantt charts, or equivalent program management tooling• Ability to influence without formal authority• Willingness and ability to travel internationally• Availability to work onsite in Foster City, CA five days per week𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:• Sensor-related hardware experience: radar, LiDAR, cameras, or similar• Automotive or autonomous vehicle program experience• Experience with contract manufacturers• Hardware and software integration program experience• Consumer electronics hardware background• MS degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering⠀𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲: $75/hr to $85/hr per hour𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Contract, full-time 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹: International travel required, primarily to Europe⠀Apply via LinkedIn and we'll reach out to schedule a conversation. Confidential search; your application is fully private.𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 | 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱