Strategic Development Manager Jobs in Brenham, TX

About Us Forward Edge-AI, Inc. develops advanced secure communications, quantum-resilient cybersecurity, and mission-critical infrastructure solutions supporting defense, national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure markets. Our product segments span Commercial, rugged, and space-based hardware. As we continue scaling advanced hardware platforms from prototype into production, we are seeking experienced engineering leadership to drive product execution, manufacturing readiness, and operational scale. Position Summary Forward Edge-AI is seeking a hands-on Product Development Manager (PDM) to lead advanced hardware platforms from prototypes through mass production. This role owns engineering execution across EVT, DVT, PVT, manufacturing readiness, supplier coordination, and production scale-up. The ideal candidate has deep experience delivering embedded or electromechanical products into production environments and is comfortable driving cross-functional engineering teams, contract manufacturers, and technical problem resolution under aggressive timelines. Preference will be given to candidates located in Central Texas to support periodic onsite collaboration, engineering reviews, and manufacturing coordination activities. This role requires strong hardware development leadership, manufacturing execution expertise, and the ability to scale products from prototype or low-rate production into volume manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Engineering Leadership * Own product schedules, BOM management, quality metrics, and risk tracking across the full product lifecycle * Lead engineering execution across electrical, mechanical, embedded, firmware, RF, thermal, and security workstreams * Drive phase-gate reviews including EVT, DVT, PVT, and production readiness * Coordinate internal engineering teams, external consultants, suppliers, and contract manufacturers Hardware Debugging & Validation * Lead troubleshooting across: * Board bring-up * Signal integrity * Power systems * Thermal performance * EMI/EMC * Embedded systems * Cryptographic and secure communications subsystems * Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts throughout development and production Manufacturing & Production Readiness * Manage relationships with contract manufacturers and strategic suppliers * Drive DFM, DFT, DFA, and NPI handoff activities * Lead first-article inspections, yield improvement, and manufacturing quality initiatives * Support RMA investigations and corrective actions as needed Documentation & Compliance * Maintain engineering documentation including: * Schematics * BOMs and AVL documentation * Fabrication and assembly packages * Manufacturing work instructions * Test procedures and validation reports * Lead certification and compliance test coordination with internal and external stakeholders Program Metrics & Executive Reporting * Track program KPIs including schedule, cost, quality, and supplier performance * Deliver executive-level engineering and program status updates * Identify program risks early and drive mitigation strategies Required Qualifications * 10+ years of hardware product development experience * 3+ years leading embedded or electromechanical products through mass production * Demonstrated experience managing products through EVT → DVT → PVT → MP * Experience scaling products from prototype or low-rate production into volume manufacturing * Strong knowledge of: * PCBA design * Embedded systems * Firmware integration * Hardware validation and debugging * Experience managing contract manufacturers and NPI transitions * Hands-on troubleshooting experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal tools, and related lab equipment * Experience driving DFx methodologies (DFM, DFT, DFA, DFR) * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent experience) Preferred Qualifications * Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or security-focused hardware programs * Familiarity with: * Cryptographic hardware * Secure boot architectures w/ HSM & TPM * Thermal dissipation technologies * FIPS 140 L1-L4 design criteria * Fundamentals of Cryptography & Blockchain algorithms * CNSA 2.0 standards * Experience with embedded AI/ML or edge inference platforms * Experience supporting DoD, OTA, SBIR/STTR, or federal technology programs * PMP certification or formal phase-gate development training * Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline * Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one Why Forward Edge-AI This role offers direct ownership of mission-critical hardware platforms supporting next-generation secure communications and infrastructure protection. You will work alongside executive leadership to scale advanced technologies from engineering prototypes into production-ready systems deployed in real-world operational environments. This is a high-visibility opportunity to shape engineering execution, manufacturing readiness, and long-term product scalability within a rapidly growing advanced technology company. Application Process Interested candidates should submit: * A resume highlighting hardware product development and manufacturing experience * A summary describing a product brought through production and the largest technical or manufacturing challenge encountered Visa Statement: We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates requiring immigration support (e.g., H-1B, TN, OPT, or similar) should not apply. Forward Edge-AI, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.