Hardware Project Manager

Description
Hardware Project Manager
Location: Raanana

About DriveNets

DriveNets is a software company revolutionizing the networking space with a cutting-edge routing stack that runs on dedicated whitebox hardware. Our platform disaggregates hardware from software, giving service providers the scale and flexibility to operate their networks more efficiently. We collaborate closely with external ODMs to bring our solution to life on best-in-class hardware. HW platforms, built by the ODM, are high-end networking devices (mainly routers ) with high-speed network processors, CPU, BMC, and other peripherals.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Hardware Program Manager to lead and manage all hardware-related activities across the product lifecycle. This includes managing the interaction between internal R&D teams and external hardware vendors ODMs, ensuring that hardware development aligns with DriveNets' software stack requirements and product timelines. This role bridges the technical and organizational aspects of hardware development—from defining hardware requirements, planning integration with software, managing release schedules, to resolving customer-facing issues. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of deep technical expertise in hardware systems and exceptional soft skills to coordinate cross-functional teams across legal, product, architecture, R&D, supply chain, and vendor partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Regular status updates to executive stakeholders and drive decisions at critical project milestones.
• End-to-End HW Program Ownership: Lead and manage hardware development activities from initial requirements through production, validation, and deployment.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with product management, systems architecture, software R&D, legal, and
• supply chain teams to align on requirements and execution plans.
• External Vendor Management: Serve as the main technical point of contact with ODMs, managing technical discussions, tracking progress, and resolving issues.
• Planning & Execution: Drive hardware and firmware planning, including schedule alignment with software integration cycles and overall product release plans.
• Bug & Issue Management: Lead bug triage and resolution processes for hardware and firmware, including customerreported issues.
• Release Management: Coordinate and manage content and timelines for hardware and firmware releases, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical and schedule risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and hands-on engagement in board-level design issues, validation planning, hardware bring-up, and debugging.
• Stakeholder Communication: Provide requirements in a collaborative manner.

Requirements

• B.sc . or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in hardware program/project management or system engineering roles.
• Proven experience managing hardware development with external ODMs or hardware vendors.
• Strong technical knowledge of networking hardware, high-speed board design, firmware, and hardware/software
• integration.
• Experience with hardware validation, bring-up, and debugging tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in telecom or networking industry.
• Familiarity with whitebox hardware development models.
• Background in Agile or hybrid hardware-software development environments.
• Experience with customer-facing issue management and escalation handling.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of networking innovation.
• A fast-paced, collaborative environment with exposure to all parts of the product lifecycle.
• A culture that values initiative, ownership, and transparency.