Hardware NPI Program Manager

About Sesame

Sesame believes in a future where computers are lifelike - with the ability to see, hear, and collaborate with us in ways that feel natural and human. With this vision, we're designing a new kind of computer, focused on making voice companions part of our daily lives. Our team brings together founders from Oculus and Ubiquity6, alongside proven leaders from Meta, Google, and Apple, with deep expertise spanning hardware and software. Join us in shaping a future where computers truly come alive.

About the Role

Integrating complex sensing and computing systems into contemporary fashion & personal products requires a unique combination of technical expertise and program management acumen. As Hardware Program Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and influencing all aspects of hardware development, from concept to production.

We seek a candidate with a proven track record in driving novel consumer electronics development and leading effective cross-functional collaboration to bring innovation into shipping products. You should bring deep technical knowledge and the ability to navigate the challenges of delivering innovative products on tight timelines.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment as part of a small and ambitious team. Having a positive approach, facing challenges head-on, making quick decisions, and accomplishing significant results with minimal guidance are essential for success in this position. If you're passionate about shaping the future of wearable technology, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive the end-to-end hardware development process, including system architecture, design, prototyping, testing, and transition to mass production.

• Collaborate with a variety of cross-functional teams (including world-class AI builders) to align on marketing & technical requirements, resolve integration challenges, and ensure project success.

• Manage external vendors and partners for component selection, prototyping, materials evaluation, and manufacturing, ensuring adherence to quality and schedule objectives.

• Own the program schedule and roadmap, balancing program schedule, budget, and development needs. Recommend schedule adjustments to accelerate development and take advantage of parallel paths when available.

• Own the program budget, including planning for development NRE, materials, and capex; and own the product’s unit economics, modeling COGS, logistics costs, and reverse costs to ensure gross and net margin targets are met.

• Identify and mitigate risks in hardware development, proactively addressing issues.

• To enable informed decisions, provide clear and concise communication to stakeholders, and deliver program updates, technical insights, and trade-off recommendations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 7+ years of experience in hardware program management, ideally in consumer electronics.

• Demonstrated success in delivering hardware products from concept to mass production.

• Experience managing complex, cross-functional projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degrees are preferred, but not required.

• Experience with overseas manufacturing and supply chain coordination.

• Exposure to challenging, highly miniaturized wearables, IoT devices, or similar hardware ecosystems.

• Technical expertise in areas such as miniaturized cosmetic enclosures, low-power sensors, Bluetooth low-energy (BLE), and battery-optimized devices.

• Proficiency in Mandarin.

Sesame is committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome all qualified applicants, embracing diversity in race, gender, identity, orientation, ability, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities—contact [email protected] for assistance.

Full-time Employee Benefits: 

• 401k matching

• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits 

• Unlimited PTO and sick time 

• Flexible spending account matching (medical FSA) 

Benefits do not apply to contingent/contract workers