Technical Program Manager, Hardware

Utilidata is a fast-growing NVIDIA-backed edge AI company enabling greater visibility and control of power utilization in energy-intensive infrastructure, like the electric grid and data centers. Karman, the company’s distributed AI platform powered by a custom NVIDIA module, is transforming the way utility companies operate the grid edge and will enable data centers to unlock more compute for the same provisioned power. We are looking for a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to join our technical program management team and work in direct support of our hardware and on device development teams. This individual will play a pivotal role in driving cross-functional initiatives, ensuring the successful delivery of complex technical projects. The TPM acts as an internal bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, coordinating efforts to meet strategic goals efficiently. Specifically, this TPM will primarily focus on the physical aspects of product development, including the design, prototyping, manufacturing, and testing of hardware devices and components. This TPM will own the end-to-end lifecycle of hardware development from prototyping to deployment, including early concept and prototyping through validation, manufacturing readiness, and production launch, and partner closely with the product team to ensure hardware designs meet market specifications, customer requirements, and evolving product goals. We are looking for candidates who are mission-driven, collaborative, and adaptive.This position is based onsite at our company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with flexibility for occasional remote work.. Candidates will be expected to collaborate cross-functionally with remote teams based across the country.ResponsibilitiesDefine, implement, and optimize program management processes to enhance cross-functional collaboration and delivery efficiency, with a primary focus on the design, prototyping, and development of new hardware form factorsCoordinate across multiple internal and external teams to manage risks around component availability, form factor feasibility, manufacturing defects, and physical testingDevelop and monitor project plans, timelines, and performance metrics to ensure alignment with organizational and market objectivesChampion agile best practices adapted for hardware development, enabling the team to iterate quickly and respond to a fast-moving and growing marketCollaborate with engineering, product management, and operations teams to define technical requirements, priorities, and resource allocation across hardware programsDrive the adoption of tools and frameworks that improve project tracking, stakeholder communication, and overall program deliveryTrack and report on key program metrics, such as delivery timelines, prototype iteration cycles, priority shifts, resource utilization, and risk mitigation effortsFacilitate communication and alignment across teams to identify and resolve bottlenecks, dependencies, and conflictsMinimum Qualifications 5+ years of experience in program or project management in a hardware-focused technical environment, or a combination of educational and professional experience commensurate with this levelStrong hands-on experience managing hardware development projects, including form factor design, prototyping, EVT/DVT/PVT cycles, and manufacturing transitionsTechnical background in hardware engineering or product development, including experience with IoT and/or remote hardware devices with embedded softwareDemonstrated ability to work directly with product teams to translate market requirements into hardware specificationsProven ability to apply agile methodologies in a hardware context, adapting processes to support rapid iteration in a dynamic and growing marketProven ability to manage multiple hardware programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentExceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skillsDemonstrated ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authorityExperience coordinating with operations and manufacturing teams to drive hardware products into productionProficiency in project management tools such as Jira, Trello, or Microsoft ProjectWillingness to travel up to 10% of timeEnhanced Qualifications (Nice to Have) Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical or business disciplineCertifications such as PMP, CSM, or SAFe AgileTechnical background or hands-on experience in software development or engineeringExperience with consumer or industrial hardware form factor development across multiple product generationsFamiliarity with supply chain management and contract manufacturer (CM) relationshipsExperience managing cloud-connected or large-scale IoT hardware deploymentsFamiliarity with data analytics, machine learning, or AI-driven product initiativesSalary Range: $125,000 to $160,000 base compensation depending on experience plus stock options.  Salary will be commensurate with an individual's skills, training, years of experience, and in line with internal compensation bands.Location: This position is based onsite at our company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with flexibility for occasional remote work.Our Commitments:Utilidata values the diversity of our team. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or childbirth, sexual orientation, genetics, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.We are committed to:Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is welcoming, supportive, affirming and respectfulEmpowering employees to solve problems and work together to make a differenceProviding mentorship and growth opportunities as part of a collaborative teamA flexible work environment with flexible paid time offCompetitive compensation and benefits, including health, dental, vision, and employer-match 401k