Technical Program Manager - Hardware/Systems, Principal

At d-Matrix, we are focused on unleashing the potential of generative AI to power the transformation of technology. We are at the forefront of software and hardware innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our culture is one of respect and collaboration.

We value humility and believe in direct communication. Our team is inclusive, and our differing perspectives allow for better solutions. We are seeking individuals passionate about tackling challenges and are driven by execution. Together, we can help shape the endless possibilities of AI.

The Role: Principal Technical Program Manager, HW/Systems

We are seeking a Principal Technical Program Manager to drive engineering excellence across the global hardware organization. This role will focus on creating lightweight, scalable processes that enable predictable project delivery in a high-growth startup environment. You will partner with engineering leaders to translate company objectives into actionable software programs, improve planning and execution practices, and foster collaboration across geographies and technical domains. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, globally distributed environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality product on time.

What you will do:

• Lead end-to-end program management across post-silicon and system hardware development cycles, including preparation for silicon arrival, lab space, bring-up systems and boards, production EVK design, and validation across Silicon and Systems Hardware, Firmware, QA, and Manufacturing engineering teams.
• Lead firmware deployment and development through demonstration of all key chip and system features.
• Lead power and performance characterization, demo version delivery, and qualification kickoffs for silicon, board, product, and NPI.
• Establish well-defined, predictable development milestones within the company and with third-party partners.
• Coordinate delivery across teams in North America, India, Serbia, and Australia.
• Define metrics, create dashboards, and report on progress and program health.
• Develop playbooks and best practices for cross-functional program management.
• Identify and mitigate risks to delivery schedules and quality.
• Act as a liaison between hardware teams and company leadership, providing clear updates and insights.
• Collaborate with Product, Hardware, and other partner teams to manage dependencies.

What you will bring:

Minimum:

• 10+ years of experience in IC chip and board development as an engineer, engineering manager, or technical program manager, with the last 3 or more years as a technical program manager.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence without authority.
• Experience in companies with complex software and hardware integration.
• Proven track record managing distributed, multi-region engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of system development and qualification cycles and waterfall program management methodologies.
• Experience establishing scalable processes in fast-moving engineering organizations.

Preferred:

• Prior industry experience as an Engineering Manager responsible for chip-to-ship execution from post-silicon to product.
• Background in datacenter hardware development companies.
• Experience scaling engineering teams at Series B/C-stage startups.
• Proficiency with JIRA, Smartsheet, and project toolchain integration.
• Experience managing external dependencies and customer-driven timelines.

What we offer:

• Opportunity to shape program management practices across a fast-growing AI company.
• High-impact role influencing the effectiveness of a global software team.
• Collaboration with world-class engineers at the cutting edge of AI and system software.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and professional growth opportunities.

Success Metrics:

• Predictable release cycles with measurable delivery improvements.
• More accurate planning and forecasting across projects.
• Stronger cross-team coordination, measured by stakeholder feedback.
• Scalable practices supporting growth to 300+ engineers.

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

d-Matrix does not accept resumes or candidate submissions from external agencies. We appreciate the interest and effort of recruitment firms, but request that individuals interested in opportunities with d-Matrix apply directly through official channels.