Associate Product Manager - Hardware Products

Description:

We are seeking an Associate Product Manager Hardware Products with a strong passion for hardware innovation and product development.

This role will support the end-to-end lifecycle of hardware productsfrom concept and prototyping to testing, manufacturing, and launch.

You will work closely with engineering, design, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to help deliver high-quality consumer/industrial hardware solutions.

Key Responsibilities (Detailed):

Product Lifecycle Management

- Support the complete hardware product lifecycle: concept feasibility prototyping engineering validation manufacturing launch.

- Participate in defining product requirements, feature priorities, and technical constraints.

- Assist in creating and maintaining Product Requirement Documents (PRDs), feature specifications, and technical documentation.

- Track product development milestones and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule.

Prototyping & Hardware Development Support

- Collaborate with design, R&D, electrical/mechanical engineers to develop initial prototypes.

- Coordinate rapid prototyping activities (3D printing, PCB fabrication, enclosure design iterations, etc.

- Facilitate component selection, cost evaluation, and performance trade-offs with engineering teams.

- Organize prototype build reviews and collect feedback for iterative improvements.

Vendor & Manufacturing Coordination

- Work with external vendors, OEMs, and manufacturing partners for component sourcing,

feasibility checks, and production timelines.

- Assist in creating and maintaining Bill of Materials (BoM) with accurate part numbers, cost estimates, and technical parameters.

- Coordinate with suppliers for DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) improvements.

- Track fabrication schedules, incoming part quality, and manufacturing readiness.

Testing, Validation & Quality Assurance

- Support field testing activities, including test planning, hardware evaluation, and data collection.

- Work with engineering and QC teams to review test results, identify issues, and ensure corrective action.

- Participate in EVT/DVT/PVT testing cycles and maintain test logs, bug reports, and issue trackers.

- Coordinate reliability testing, environmental tests, and certification-related evaluation.

Market Research & Competitive Analysis

- Conduct market research to identify user needs, industry trends, gaps in existing solutions, and new feature opportunities.

- Benchmark competitor products based on hardware performance, features, form factor, pricing, and technology advancements.

- Provide research-driven insights to influence product positioning, pricing, and differentiation strategies.

Documentation & Compliance Support

- Prepare and maintain technical documents, including:

- PRDs

- BoM sheets

- Technical specification sheets

- Change logs

- Test plans & reports

Assist in preparing and organizing compliance documentation such as:

- BIS, CE, FCC, RoHS, or other relevant certifications.

- Ensure all documents are updated, version-controlled, and accessible for cross-functional teams.

Cross-functional Program Coordination

- Act as a bridge between design, engineering, sourcing, QC, marketing, and operations teams.

- Support project planning, tracking, and risk management.

- Maintain project trackers for timelines, deliverables, issues, and dependencies.

- Facilitate internal reviews, sprint updates, and communication on product development status.

Operational Execution & Launch Readiness

- Participate in pilot production runs and ensure alignment with engineering specifications.

- Assist in creating user manuals, product guides, packaging documentation, and launch materials.

- Coordinate logistics for production batches, marketing samples, and early-user testing kits.

- Support post-launch monitoring, issue tracking, and updates.

Requirements (Detailed):

Experience & Technical Skills

- 2-4 years of experience in product management or hardware/electronics engineering roles.

Strong understanding of:

- Electronics & mechanical component lifecycle

- PCB design basics, sensor/IC selection

- Enclosure design, ergonomics, thermal considerations

- Prototyping workflows and rapid iteration

Exposure to:

- Hardware testing, validation cycles, and QC processes

- Manufacturing workflows (SMT, injection molding, assembly lines)

Tools & Software

- Experience with tools like Jira, Trello, Asana, Notion, or any product tracking tools.

- Familiarity with Figma or other design review tools (preferred).

- Understanding of basic engineering tools such as:

Simulation tools:

- Firmware flashing utilities

- Basic measurement instruments (multimeter, oscilloscope preferred but not mandatory)

Education

- B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, or related technical fields.

Soft Skills & Competencies

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

- Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

- High ownership mindset with attention to detail.

- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.

- Passion for hardware innovation, tinkering, and learning new technologies