Hardware Systems Technical Program Manager

ABOUT US

At RADAR, we're transforming the way the world thinks about physical retail. RADAR has raised over $104M from top investors, retailers, and strategics and works with some of the world's retail brands including American Eagle and Gap. We’re building the future of in-store experience where every product and every person can be precisely located in real time.

Our platform combines RFID and AI to unlock hyper-accurate product visibility and automation at scale. From real-time inventory tracking to seamless checkout experiences, our technology empowers some of the world’s largest retailers to streamline operations, reduce loss, and elevate both employee and customer experiences.

We’re a fast-growing, mission-driven startup where bold ideas, collaboration, and impact are at the core of everything we do. Join us as we reshape the physical world with digital precision, starting with retail and expanding far beyond!

OUR VALUES

Mission-Driven: We're transforming retail with cutting-edge technology and building something that truly matters.

Collaborative Team: We thrive on curiosity, shared goals, and solving complex problems together.

High Impact: You’ll make meaningful contributions from day one and help shape the future of our product and company.

Clear Communication: We value honesty, humility, and respectful dialogue—everyone’s voice matters.

Balanced Lives: We work hard, but not at the expense of well-being. We respect time, boundaries, and life outside of work.

Diverse Perspectives: We believe better ideas come from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.

Empathy-Driven Design: We build with deep respect for our end users, listening closely to their feedback and needs.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced Hardware Technical Program Manager to lead cross-functional teams in the development and delivery of innovative RFID hardware solutions from concept to mass production. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise in hardware development with strong program management skills to drive successful product development and launch. This is a hybrid role based in our San Diego office location. There will be up to 20% travel throughout the year to visit our contract manufacturer site in Mexico.

Responsibilities:

• Lead hardware development programs through the entire product lifecycle, including requirements management, architectural design, proof of concept, prototyping, ramp, sustaining engineering, and end of life

• Create and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, and budgets for NPI programs, sustaining programs, and hardware technologies at both the high level 10k foot view, as well as detailed micro-schedule view for critical activities where needed

• Drive hardware development through rigorous POC, Proto, EVT, DVT, and PVT phases at our contract manufacturer while ensuring quality, manufacturability, and product KPIs are met with clear exit criteria per phase

• Facilitate effective communication EE, ME, RF, SW/FW, Tech Ops, Systems Eng, Supply Chain, and Deployment Operations

• Identify and mitigate technical and program issues and risks through proactive strategic planning, prioritization, and collaboration

• Manage potential vendor relationships, component selection, and supplier qualification

• Present regular status updates to executive stakeholders and XFN leaders

ABOUT YOU

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related technical field

• 3+ years of experience in hardware program management, preferably in RFID, IoT, or consumer electronics

• 2+ years of experience as a hardware engineer

• Demonstrated expertise in managing the complete hardware product development cycle and successfully transitioning products from engineering to mass production

• Experience with test plan development and execution for each validation phase

• Solid understanding of hardware design processes (OK2Fab, OK2Tool, change management, risk management, etc.)

• Working knowledge of RFID and wireless technology

• Working knowledge of DFM and DFT methodologies

• Proficient with project management tools and methodologies, including Smartsheet, Jira, and PLM software

• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills

• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to navigate technical and organizational challenges in a start-up environment

Preferred:

• Experience with antenna design and RF systems

• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing processes

• Familiarity with reliability testing and validation

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements

• Understanding of firmware development and hardware/software integration

• Experience with global manufacturing partners and supply chains

• Familiarity with requirements tracking software

• Project management training/certification

At RADAR, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. The expected base salary range for this position is $100,000.00 - $170,000.00. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training.You will also be eligible to receive other benefits including: equity, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, life and disability benefits, 401k plan, flexible time off, and paid parental leave. The pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting.

Research has shown that women & underrepresented minorities are more likely to read lists of requirements and consider themselves unqualified if they don't meet every single one. This list represents what we're ideally looking for, but everyone has unique strengths & weaknesses, and we hire for strength & potential, not lack of weakness.

Use of artificial intelligence or a LLM such as ChatGPT during the interview process will be grounds for rejection of your application process.