Operations Program Manager Jobs in East Orange, NJ

***This is a hybrid role, based out of our NYC HQ***

Aescape is a New York–based technology company redefining modern recovery and proactive wellness. Through AI‑powered robotics, Aescape delivers personalized recovery experiences that adapt in real time to each individual. The platform brings a new level of personalization and accessibility to modern wellness environments—helping people move better, recover faster, and feel their best, each and every day. Aescape is backed by Valor Equity Partners, BroadLight Capital, and Mecha Ventures.

Aescape is looking for an Operations Project Manager who will serve as the tactical engine behind our New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives, driving the rigorous execution of program deliverables from design concept to mass production. You will be the central force coordinating cross‑functionally between Engineering and Operations to ensure our category‑defining robots transition to validated hardware on aggressive, relentless schedules. This is a unique opportunity to own the critical path of a transformative technology, identify risks before they hit, and unblock complex technical hurdles as we revolutionize the massage therapy industry. If you are a "finisher" who can see around corners and thrives in a high‑stakes hardware environment, we’d love to hear from you!

• Focus on the rigorous execution of program deliverables, ensuring that our category‑defining robots transition from design concepts to validated hardware on aggressive schedules.
• Be the primary driver for cross‑functional coordination, real‑time risk identification, and the closing of technical gaps between Engineering and Operations.
• Own and enforce the master NPI checklist, driving rigorous entry and exit requirements for all NPI development phases (EVT, DVT and PVT). Coordinate across Engineering, Product, and Operations to ensure all technical and operational milestones are tracking to schedule.
• Own and update the product launch schedule, identifying critical‑path shifts, forecasting, mitigating and escalating risks appropriately while ensuring all components and processes remain on track for building, testing and validation.
• Drive comprehensive clear‑to‑build (CTB) readiness for each development phase. Beyond just material availability, you will ensure the factory is fully prepared for each build cycle, including production line workflow and station setup, SOP development and testing readiness.
• Drive the timely development, validation, and release of production tooling and test fixtures; coordinate between Engineering and suppliers to ensure all tooling is on‑site and operational to meet build milestones.
• Drive the completion of Design for Manufacturing, Assembly and Test (DFx) feedback cycles and relentlessly track the status of hardware testing and validation results.

• BS in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical degree.
• 5+ years of experience in project management or NPI coordination within a complex hardware manufacturing environment.
• Experience with complex hardware and assembly through a global multi‑tier supply chain.
• Deep experience with hardware product development life cycle management and key validation milestones (EVT/DVT/PVT).
• Hands‑on experience with Arena PLM or similar Product Lifecycle Management tools to manage BOMs and ECOs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; you know how to push for deliverables while maintaining strong internal relationships.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%, including international travel.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Proficiency in NetSuite ERP.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

• Join a trailblazing tech company anticipated to transform the massage industry.
• The chance to make a difference with a product that empowers healthier and happier living.
• Team culture driven by passion, ambition, empowerment, inclusion, curiosity, and fun!
• We’ll grow together – your personal and professional growth are equally important.
• An environment that empowers individuals, emboldens teams, and rewards achievement.
• Complimentary massages in our NY HQ and our Partner locations!
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance covered by us.
• 401k with 4% company match.
• Flexible paid time off and a generous parental leave policy.
• Working late? Dinner is on us.
• Competitive pay + bonus. The salary range for the role is $150,000-$175,000.

At Aescape, we're on a mission to redefine self‑care for a better world, and we're seeking trailblazers to join us on this journey. We're inspired by individuals who are passionate, driven, and eager to learn. We value diverse perspectives and resourceful, determined individuals who are committed to making a difference. At Aescape, we empower people to reach their full potential, just as our product empowers better living. If you're ready to innovate, create, and make a meaningful impact, we want you on our team. YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR AESCAPE.