Senior Engineering Program Manager - job 1 of 2

As a Senior Engineering Program Manager at Axon, your key responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle, from the concept phase through to launch. You will drive critical decision-making processes, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure that our products meet customer needs effectively. You'll collaborate with teams consisting of electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to bring cutting-edge technologies to market.

To qualify for the Senior Engineering Program Manager position at Axon, you should have at least five years of relevant experience in program management, particularly within hardware development. A bachelor’s degree in a technical field, business, or equivalent experience is essential. Additionally, a strong understanding of engineering principles and the ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly will greatly benefit your success in this role.

At Axon, we prioritize the growth of our team members including Senior Engineering Program Managers. We offer various learning and development programs aimed at enhancing professional skills. With a commitment to support your career path, you will have access to mentorship opportunities, advanced training, and resources that foster continuous learning and innovation in your role.

In your role as Senior Engineering Program Manager at Axon, you will work within a collaborative team structure that includes cross-functional personnel from engineering, design, firmware, and manufacturing. Your position will require you to engage actively with every team member to ensure all aspects of product development are aligned, providing a cohesive effort toward achieving optimal results.

Axon offers a competitive salary along with a robust benefits package for Senior Engineering Program Managers, which includes a 401k with employer matching, discretionary paid time off, and paid parental leave for all employees. In addition, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, fitness programs, wellness support, and snacks in the office enhance the overall work experience at Axon.

When addressing conflict within cross-functional teams, I prioritize open communication and facilitate discussions that focus on problem-solving. I encourage team members to express their perspectives while working collaboratively towards a common goal, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.

In my previous roles, I've successfully managed project budgets by continuously monitoring costs and reallocating resources as necessary. I believe in transparent reporting to stakeholders, allowing for quick adjustments to stay aligned with financial goals and ensure the project's overall success.

To ensure a project remains on schedule, I utilize a combination of meticulous planning and regular progress check-ins. Setting clear deadlines, utilizing project management tools, and maintaining open lines of communication with all stakeholders allow me to quickly identify any potential delays and mitigate them effectively.

I prioritize tasks based on project impact and deadline urgency, employing a matrix system to evaluate which tasks have the highest priority. I also regularly communicate with my team and stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities and adjust as needed throughout the project lifecycle.

A challenging decision I faced was when a significant technical issue arose close to our release deadline. I assessed the project's options and consulted with team leads, ultimately deciding to delay the launch to maintain product quality. This decision strengthened team trust and ensured customer satisfaction.

I have extensive experience with Agile methodologies, having led diverse teams in implementing Scrum and Kanban processes. I appreciate the iterative nature of Agile, as it allows for ongoing feedback and adaptability, ultimately driving better product outcomes.

To foster effective communication across diverse teams, I implement regular meetings, utilize collaborative tools, and encourage a culture of openness. I also make it a priority to understand the unique perspectives of each team member to ensure everyone feels included in discussions.

I utilize a variety of project management tools, including JIRA for issue tracking, Trello for task management, and Microsoft Project for timeline visualization. By combining these tools, I can efficiently monitor project progress and maintain clarity across the team.

When changes in project scope arise, I carefully assess the impact on timelines and resources. I facilitate discussions with the team and stakeholders to agree on necessary adjustments and communicate the changes formally to ensure everyone is on the same page moving forward.

I employ proactive risk management strategies, including conducting regular risk assessments and developing mitigation plans early in the project lifecycle. This approach helps me identify potential issues and implement preventative measures to minimize impact as projects progress.