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VAST Data is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware NPI (New Product Introduction) Program Manager to lead the end-to-end lifecycle of next-generation hardware products from concept through volume production and sustaining phases. You will partner cross-functionally with Hardware Engineering, Operations, Product Management, and Quality teams to ensure flawless execution of product launches and manage internal hardware, software, and operational projects with partners.
VAST Data is a data platform company for the AI era, building enterprise software infrastructure to capture, catalog, refine, enrich, and protect massive datasets for real-time analysis and AI training/inference. The company is positioned at the center of the AI infrastructure revolution, offering solutions that simplify AI deployment and reduce the cost and complexity of enterprise and AI infrastructure across data center, edge, and cloud environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and drive the complete NPI program lifecycle for hardware products, from concept through ramp to sustaining to end-of-life
- Develop, manage, and track detailed project plans, schedules, risks, and dependencies across multiple functions and suppliers
- Partner with Engineering to translate product requirements into manufacturable designs and processes
- Coordinate with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure suppliers and factories are ready for production builds
- Lead cross-functional meetings, program reviews, and executive updates to communicate status, risks, and recovery actions
- Proactively identify program risks, define mitigation strategies, and drive accountability for execution
- Ensure manufacturing readiness by leading build events (EVT, DVT, PVT, MP) and verifying exit criteria are met at each stage
- Align stakeholders across engineering, operations, and customer support for smooth product release
- Continuously improve NPI processes and best practices to increase efficiency and scalability
This is an opportunity to be a key contributor at a pivotal time in the company's growth and at a critical juncture in computing history, working with a team of highly skilled professionals driving real market impact in the AI infrastructure space.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Program Management, or related technical field (Master's preferred)
- 8+ years of experience in program management with focus on hardware NPI, manufacturing, or complex hardware development
- Strong background in hardware manufacturing processes (PCBA, system integration, mechanical assemblies, cables, etc.)
- Proven ability to manage large, cross-functional, global programs with multiple suppliers and stakeholders
- Experience leading build phases (EVT/DVT/PVT/MP) and driving readiness across engineering and operations teams
- Solid understanding of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and NPI frameworks
- Excellent communication and executive presentation skills; ability to clearly articulate program status, risks, and priorities
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail and urgency in execution
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while driving structure and clarity
