Program Management Specialist

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Program Manager (PGM) to drive the successful planning, execution, and delivery of NETGEAR’s networking products. This position plays a central role in coordinating both hardware New Product Introduction (NPI) and software/firmware development programs, ensuring seamless integration and execution across all product phases.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of program management experience, preferably within the networking, consumer electronics, or embedded systems industry, and a proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects. This role requires strong technical understanding, organizational excellence, and exceptional communication skills to align engineering, operations, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead cross-functional program execution for networking products—from concept through mass production.

· Drive project planning, milestone management, and risk mitigation, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.

· Collaborate with engineering teams (HW/SW/FW), product management, and supply chain to align priorities and deliverables.

· Manage program schedules, dependencies, and resource allocation across multiple product lines.

· Facilitate effective communication among global teams, ODM partners, and vendors.

· Provide status reports, escalate key risks, and recommend mitigation strategies to leadership.

· Ensure strong process discipline, maintaining consistency in project execution and documentation.

· Support continuous improvement in program management practices and tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Program Manager or Project Manager, ideally in networking, consumer electronics, or embedded system development.

• Proven success managing both hardware NPI and software/firmware programs through full product lifecycles.

• Strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes, including EVT/DVT/PVT/MPphases.

• Familiarity with firmware development, software integration, and release management.

• Experience coordinating with ODM/JDM partners, global engineering teams, and contract manufacturers.

• Excellent project planning, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication abilities with a proactive and hands-on approach.

• Fluent in English (written and verbal);

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical background in networking products, embedded systems, or consumer hardware/software.

• Familiarity with Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid development models.

• Experience with phase-gate or structured NPI processes (PRD, MRD, EVT/DVT/PVT/MP).

• PMP certification or equivalent is a plus.

• Strong interest in continuous improvement, metrics-driven management, and cross-domain collaboration.

Company Statement/Values:  

At NETGEAR, we are on a mission to unleash the full potential of connectivity with intelligent solutions that delight and protect. We turn ideas into innovative networking products that connect people, power businesses, and advance the way we live.  

We're a performance-driven, talented and connected team that's committed to delivering world-class products for our customers. As a company, we value our employees as the most essential building blocks of our success. And as teammates, we commit to taking our work to the Next Gear by living our values: we Dare to Transform the future, Connect and Delight our customers, Communicate Courageously with each other and collaborate to Win It Together. You’ll find our values woven through our processes, present in our decisions, and celebrated throughout our culture. 

We strive to attract top talent and create a great workplace where people feel engaged, inspired, challenged, proud and respected. If you are creative, forward-thinking, passionate about technology and are looking for a rewarding career to make an impact, then you've got what it takes to succeed at NETGEAR. Join our network and help us shape the future of connectivity. 

NETGEAR hires based on merit. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.