Manufacturing Engineering NPI Program Manager

Manufacturing Engineering NPI Program Manager

San Jose, CA (Work Authorization Required)

About Recogni:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world. It can perform cognitive functions that previously only humans could do, such as perceiving interactions across different environments with the ability to quickly learn and then solve complex problems. Recogni is a system solution company that specializes in the design of industry-leading high-performance, low-power AI inferencing. Our mission is to enable multimodal Generative AI inference acceleration at scale by providing safe, sustainable, high-performance AI-driven solutions for many markets. We are at the leading edge of advancing the latest research and product improvements for Al inference solutions that will make Al even more advantageous for compelling new applications. Recogni is a well funded, fast-paced startup company with headquarters in both San Jose, CA, and Munich, Germany. We also have many talented team members working remotely. We prioritize our employees' well-being and their families, aiming for a healthier, happier life inside and outside work. We value their contributions and offer tailored benefits for health and financial security, catering to different life stages. Our comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation, including flexible spending and Bonusly awards, reflect our commitment to a supportive and inspiring work environment.

The Opportunity:

The Manufacturing Engineering NPI Program Manager will play a central role in leading the NPI process for our AI-driven hardware products. Reporting to the Director of Program Management, this position will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing, to ensure that our products transition smoothly from development to full-scale production. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience in product development, particularly in compute or networking, and a strong background in working with Tier 1 contract manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead NPI Program Management: Own and manage the NPI lifecycle for AI hardware products, from early-stage development through to production ramp-up and full-scale manufacturing.
• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with engineering, product development, and operations teams to ensure products are designed for manufacturability (DFM), meet quality standards, and are optimized for cost and efficiency.
• Tier 1 Manufacturer Coordination: Interface with Tier 1 contract manufacturers to align on production schedules, resolve any issues, and ensure smooth, scalable, and high-quality manufacturing processes.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the manufacturing process, ensuring product quality, cost-efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Quality Assurance & Risk Management: Develop and execute product validation and qualification plans. Manage risk assessments and mitigate potential risks related to product design, manufacturing, and supply chain.
• Schedule & Milestone Management: Create and manage detailed NPI schedules, ensuring timely execution of critical milestones and deliverables. Proactively track and report on program status to stakeholders.
• Documentation Management: Ensure comprehensive product documentation is maintained throughout the NPI process, including design specifications, test plans, manufacturing instructions, and regulatory compliance records.
• Cost Management: Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to drive cost optimization and ensure products meet cost targets while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Team Leadership and Support: Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring alignment and collaboration on NPI goals and objectives.
• Program Reporting: Provide regular updates on program status, key issues, risks, and mitigation strategies to senior leadership and the Director of Program Management.

What you’ll bring:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline).
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in product development, specifically in the compute or networking sectors. Proven track record of managing NPI programs from concept through to full-scale production.
• Tier 1 Manufacturer Experience: Strong experience in working with Tier 1 contract manufacturers to ensure the smooth transition from prototype to mass production.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of hardware manufacturing processes, including assembly, testing, and quality control. Experience with AI hardware products is a plus.
• Project Management Expertise: Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple, complex projects simultaneously. Experience with NPI tools and methodologies.
• Technical Leadership: Proven ability to provide technical direction, make decisions, and lead cross-functional teams to successful project outcomes.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical details clearly to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills to proactively identify issues and drive them to resolution.
• Work Authorization: Authorization to work in the USA is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience in AI/ML hardware products and related technologies.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• PMP or similar project management certification.
• Familiarity with AI hardware product lifecycle management, from concept to high-volume production.

Recogni's culture was built on the following values:

• Put people first. We only succeed when our people succeed.
• Ethics and integrity always; Being open, honest, and respectful of everyone.
• Think Big. Be ambitious and have audacious goals.
• Aim for excellence. Quality and excellence count in everything we do.
• Own it and get it done. Results matter!
• Make each person better together, than they would be as an individual.
• Embrace each others’ differences, and embrace that there will be differences.

Recogni is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse team is better at tackling complex problems and coming up with innovative solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, race, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

A note to Recruitment Agencies: Please don’t reach out to Recogni employees or leaders about our roles -- we’ve got it covered. We don’t accept unsolicited agency resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Thank you for your understanding.