Principal Engineer - Project Management

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Job Description:

As a Principal Engineer - Project Management, you will lead the development of next-generation networking products from concept to market release. You will be responsible for project planning and execution, ensuring that hardware design, embedded software, and system-level testing are aligned. Your role is also to manage the technical trade-offs between physical constraints and make decisions based on your technical understanding.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Planning & Execution: Create and manage the master schedule and budget for complex networking hardware and software projects, ensuring all deliverables meet market requirements.
• Cross-Functional Orchestration: Lead integrated project teams including Product Management, Hardware Engineering (PCB/Mechanical/FPGA), Software Development (Firmware/OS), System Test/QA, and Operations.
• Hardware-Software Co-Design: Work with engineering leads/managers to define hardware, software, system test milestones and deliverables.  Ensure engineering processes and good practices are followed during each of development phases. Manage the technical trade-offs between physical constraints and make decisions based on your technical understanding.
• System Testing & Quality: Oversee the validation strategy, ensuring System Test engineers have the builds and hardware revisions needed for stress testing, protocol verification, and compliance.
• Day-to-Day Monitoring: Drive daily stand-ups and use data-driven dashboards to track progress, unblock engineers, and manage the "Critical Path" across all departments.
• Operations Liaison: Partner with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to ensure the Bill of Materials (BOM) is optimized and the product is ready for large-scale production.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• 10+ Years of Industry Experience: Including both project management and hands-on product development.
• 5+ Years of Project Management Experience: Proven track record leading cross-functional teams in the development of physical hardware products with integrated software through a full lifecycle.
• 5+ Years of Hands-on Technical Experience: You must have a background in at least one of the following areas:
  • Hardware Design: PCB design, signal integrity, or electrical systems for networking equipment.
  • Software Design: Embedded C/C++ development, Linux kernel/drivers, or networking protocol development.
  • System Testing: Comprehensive testing of integrated hardware/software systems, automation, or network performance validation.
• Networking Knowledge: Strong understanding of L2/L3 networking protocols (O