Systems Engineering Program Manager

About us:

Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. 

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Systems Engineering Program Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of working with international contract manufacturers and coordinating closely with local design and engineering teams to bring complex hardware products from concept to high-volume production. This role is critical in bridging the gap between global manufacturing operations and local technical development, ensuring the product meets quality, cost, and schedule targets.

• Collaborate with local design and engineering teams to drive design, validation, process development, and production ramp-up activities
• Serve as the primary interface between internal stakeholders and contract manufacturing partners in other countries to align on product readiness, build plans, and delivery schedules
• Drive closure on technical issues and development roadblocks to ensure projects meet top-level requirements and timeline objectives
• Manage build/test schedules across both in-house and CM-led integration efforts, ensuring smooth execution from prototype through production
• Track and manage release milestones, BOM readiness, and configuration control across global teams
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality teams
• Provide regular updates on risks, mitigation strategies, and status to executive stakeholders

• Direct experience working with contract manufacturers in different countries for high-volume production
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process flows and industrialization strategies for complex hardware products
• Familiarity with DFM principles, configuration management, and root cause analysis (FACA)
• Experience with build management and integration testing for both mechanical and electrical components
• Demonstrated ability to manage RFQ processes and conduct supplier quote evaluations and basic negotiations
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, especially in navigating time-zone differences and cultural nuances
• Experience delivering complex projects under aggressive timelines
• Proficiency with project tracking tools such as Atlassian Suite (JIRA, Confluence)
• Experience in the automotive or LiDAR supply chain is a plus, but not required
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and adapt quickly in a fast-paced startup environment

• Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
• Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards