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Hardware Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Space Kinetic

Technical Program Manager

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

The Technical Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating technical projects involving aerospace hardware development, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, and program ...

Space Kinetic

Technical Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Technical Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating technical projects involving aerospace hardware development, engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, and program ...

Seasats

Engineering Program Manager

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

Additionally, you have: * 4-10+ years experience in hardware program management, systems engineering, and product development (robotics, aerospace, maritime, or similar) * Bachelor's degree in ...

Qualcomm

Program Manager, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Hardware Program Manager, working closely with product management and engineering, will be responsible for the delivery of the chipset and hardware platforms used by internal and external ...

Everpure

Technical Program Manager, Hardware

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

... Technical Program Manager experienced in leading engineering projects and releases from conception through release. You will utilize your skills to manage targeted hardware project schedules ...

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Hardware Program Manager information

What is the difference between Hardware Program Manager vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Program ManagerHardware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Project Management certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject planning, cross-functional coordination, timeline managementDesign, development, testing of hardware components
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing firms, product developmentElectronics, semiconductor, consumer electronics industries

The Hardware Program Manager focuses on overseeing hardware projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring timely delivery. In contrast, the Hardware Engineer is involved in designing and developing hardware components. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the Program Manager emphasizes project management skills, while the Engineer concentrates on technical design and implementation.

What are Hardware Program Managers?

Hardware Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of hardware projects within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage schedules, budgets, and resources, and ensure that hardware products are delivered on time and meet quality standards. Their role often involves risk management, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving throughout the product lifecycle. Hardware Program Managers act as the primary point of contact between engineering, manufacturing, and other departments to ensure project success.

What are some common challenges faced by Hardware Program Managers during product development cycles?

Hardware Program Managers often navigate challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, managing tight schedules, and handling unexpected supply chain disruptions. They must balance technical requirements with budget and timeline constraints, ensuring all stakeholders stay aligned throughout the project. Proactive risk management and strong communication skills are essential for successfully guiding products from design through manufacturing and launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, a solid understanding of hardware development processes, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, and CAD software, as well as certifications such as PMP, are often expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate cross-functional teams and resolve issues effectively. These skills are crucial for delivering complex hardware products on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Program Manager jobs in California? For Hardware Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Hardware Program Manager job openings:
Hardware Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Program Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Technical Program Manager, Hardware Programs

Technical Program Manager, Hardware Programs

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$196K - $248K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver™-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Hardware Engineering is an innovative and collaborative group of electrical, mechanical, reliability, software and vehicle engineers. We design, build, and perfect the products which are the eyes and ears of Waymo's autonomous driving technology, and integrate those products into vehicle platforms. We're seeking curious and talented teammates to keep us moving in the right direction.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Director, PCO Programs.
You will:
  • Work within HW Engineering, responsible for program management of Waymo's future generations of Self Driving Systems (SDS)
  • Manage a full system architecture lifecycle of a new generation of hardware - from concept/architecture to production launch while developing roadmaps for future generations of SDS programs
  • Collaborate deeply with cross-functional teams within HW Engineering (Vehicle, Component and Module Design, Validation, Systems, Manufacturing) and partner teams (Software, Operations, Product) to plan and execute critical SDS programs
  • Develop and manage integrated program schedules, balancing technical requirements, design, validation, budget, and market deployment needs to ensure on-time delivery
  • Drive execution of these SDS programs. Identify, manage and overcome challenges through the product development process from start-to-finish including leading problem solving with relevant technical teams
  • Rapidly build and maintain deep technical knowledge of autonomous driving components and their system-level interactions to inform program priorities, guide technical discussions, and drive progress with engineering teams

You have:
  • A BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or a similar discipline
  • 5+ years practical hardware engineering experience (electrical and mechanical) in product development and
    5+ years in program management
  • Comprehensive understanding of systems integration, new platform launch process and critical path management
  • Demonstrated strong analytical, oral and written communication skills
  • The ability to effectively influence and communicate cross-functionally and within a matrix organization
  • Strong technical abilities - able to work closely/credibly with highly technical teams

We prefer:
  • 8+ years in the product development process, understanding and execution from prototype to production (Design, Build, Validate, Production)
  • Experience in system or vehicle integration preferred
  • Experience in robotics or autonomous driving vehicles

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$196,000-$248,000 USD

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