Hardware Engineering Manager

Hardware Engineering Manager

  

This role has been designed as ‘’Onsite’ with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office.

Job Description:

   

The Hardware Engineering Manager for System Test, Validation, and Lab Operations is accountable for leading a team dedicated to the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of system-level hardware testing and validation. This role ensures that all hardware platforms meet performance, reliability, and quality requirements through rigorous test strategies and effective lab management. The manager drives cross-functional alignment, mitigates risks, and ensures readiness for program milestones and manufacturing release, directly impacting product quality and time-to-market.  Engagement with JDM partner(s) to support product development, system validation and issue closure but is secondary to system test and lab ownership.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Test Planning and Strategy: Develop, communicate, and implement comprehensive system-level hardware test plans that align with product requirements and business objectives.
• Validation Oversight: Ensure robust validation coverage across functional, performance, stress, and interoperability domains for all hardware platforms.
• Lab Operations Management: Oversee the daily operations, safety, and continuous improvement of hardware test laboratories, including equipment, infrastructure, and process controls.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Electrical, Power, Mechanical/Thermal, SI/PI, compliance, software and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration of testing activities into the overall product lifecycle.
• Partner with JDM(s) to align on test requirements, resolve issues, and close gaps impacting validation or release.

Key Focus Areas

• System-Level Test Execution: Drive the execution of manual and automated tests, ensuring coverage and traceability to requirements.
• Hardware Validation: Establish validation methodologies, acceptance criteria, and reporting mechanisms to ensure design robustness and compliance.
• Lab Management: Maintain a safe, efficient, and scalable lab environment, including resource planning, asset management, and process optimisation.
• Milestone Readiness: Coordinate test readiness reviews, manage defect triage, and ensure timely closure of validation gaps for program gates.
• Risk Management: Identify risks early, implement mitigation plans, and communicate status and issues transparently to stakeholders.
• Leadership and Mentoring: Develop team capabilities through coaching, feedback, and targeted development plans.
• Partner Engagement: Build strong working relationships with internal and external partners, including Joint Development Manufacturers (JDM), Contract Manufacturers (CM) and suppliers, to align test and validation expectations.

Management Level Definition

The manager oversees a multi-disciplinary team of test engineers and lab technicians, with authority over test strategy, lab operations, and resource allocation. The role influences cross-functional project teams and has significant input into program-level risk assessments, readiness reviews, and release decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive system test strategies and validation plans for all hardware platforms.
• Lead execution of test campaigns, ensuring high standards of quality, traceability, and documentation.
• Manage lab operations, including safety, equipment calibration, and workflow optimisation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align on test requirements, schedules, and deliverables.
• Prepare and present milestone readiness reviews, including test results, risk assessments, and release recommendations.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for test coverage, defect closure, and lab utilisation.
• Mentor, develop, and performance-manage test and lab personnel.
• Engage with external partners, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to ensure test deliverables meet program needs.
• Continuously improve test processes, methods, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence within the team and lab environment.
• Partner with JDM(s) to align on product development, test requirements, resolve issues, and close gaps impacting validation or release.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in hardware engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Proven track record in system-level hardware testing, validation, and lab management.
• Experience managing cross-functional engineering teams and complex product development cycles.
• Demonstrated success in preparing hardware programs for manufacturing release and sustaining engineering support.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong leadership and team development skills, with the ability to inspire and drive high performance.
• Expertise in hardware validation methodologies, test automation, and lab operations best practices.
• Solid understanding of product development lifecycles, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including technical reporting and presentation.
• Proficiency in risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with industry standards for hardware testing, safety, and compliance.

Accountability, Accountability, Action Planning, Active Learning, Active Listening, Agile Methodology, Agile Scrum Development, Analytical Thinking, Bias, Coaching, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Data Analysis Management, Data Collection Management (Inactive), Data Controls, Design, Design Thinking, Empathy, Follow-Through, Group Problem Solving, Growth Mindset, Intellectual Curiosity (Inactive), Long Term Planning, Managing Ambiguity {+ 5 more}

Health & Wellbeing

We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.

Personal & Professional Development

We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your