Hardware Project Manager

Role Overview:

We are seeking a technically strong and execution-focused Hardware Project Manager to lead end-to-end hardware delivery across multiple automation and SPM (Special Purpose Machine) projects. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of PLC-driven systems, industrial automation hardware, and hands-on experience in vendor management, scheduling, and quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vendor Management & Sourcing:

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new vendors for fabrication, machining, component procurement, and SPM manufacturing.
• Maintain relationships with current vendors and manage resource allocation across multiple live projects.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and service levels to optimize cost and delivery performance.
• Project Planning & Execution:
• Develop and maintain project hardware schedules using Gantt charts or equivalent tools.
• Build and track Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to ensure timely hardware readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align hardware development with project milestones.

• Quality & Compliance Oversight:

• Inspect fabricated and assembled hardware for quality assurance and functional testing.
• Coordinate delegation of inspection tasks where appropriate while ensuring final accountability.
• Ensure all hardware conforms to internal technical specifications and industry standards.

• Decision Making & Trade-Off Analysis:

• Make informed decisions by balancing factors such as timeline constraints, delivery quality, and cost impact.
• Escalate critical blockers with structured recommendations for resolution.

• Documentation & Reporting:

• Ensure all project documentation—BOMs, supplier datasheets, compliance reports, inspection checklists—is complete and centrally maintained.
• Communicate hardware readiness status, vendor risks, and cost variance reports to stakeholders.

• Process & Resource Optimization:

• Strategically allocate internal and external resources to maximize output across hardware development stages.
• Improve turnaround times by driving standardization across recurring hardware build activities.

Technical & Professional Qualifications:

• B.E./B.Tech in Electrical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or Instrumentation Engineering.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in hardware development and project/vendor management in industrial automation or SPMs.
• Good understanding of PLC systems and common control panel components.
• Familiarity with industrial documentation standards, inspection protocols, and wiring best practices.
• Certification in project management is a must.

Key Skills Required:

• Strong vendor negotiation and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting hardware layout drawings, wiring schematics, and PLC I/O lists.
• Working knowledge of MS Project, Excel, and document control systems.
• Capability to manage multiple hardware tracks simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Preferred languages are English, Hindi.

Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs):

• End-to-end ownership of hardware lifecycle from sourcing to delivery.
• Vendor performance management and continuous improvement.
• Timely and quality-verified delivery of project-specific hardware.
• Maintenance of complete and auditable project documentation.
• Alignment of hardware planning with project timelines and budgets.
• Coordination of inspection, quality control, and functional testing processes.
• Proactive risk mitigation related to vendor delays or component issues.

KPIs & Performance Metrics:

• Hardware delivery adherence to project timeline (%)
• Hardware defect rate (pre-shipment QA)
• Cost variance vs. BOM (%)
• Vendor performance index (on-time delivery, quality score)
• Resource utilization efficiency
• WBS milestone adherence score