Senior Program Manager

Program Manager

Location Bengaluru

Experience Range 10 - 20 Years

Qualification B.Tech/B.E. (electronics and communication engineering)

Job Overview:

The Program Manager for Chip Design will oversee the entire lifecycle of semiconductor design projects, from initial concept through to tape-out and GDSII handoff. The ideal candidate will ensure project deliverables meet time, cost, and quality objectives by coordinating cross-functional teams, managing resources, and aligning internal and external stakeholders. This role involves close collaboration with engineering, operations, and customer-facing teams, requiring both technical expertise and leadership abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

· End-to-End Program Management:

o Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of semiconductor chip design programs, managing the flow from RTL design to GDSII.

o Oversee project milestones, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer requirements.

o Track program progress using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as schedule, cost, quality, and risk.

· Cross-Functional Team Leadership:

o Coordinate with design, verification, DFT, physical design, and product engineering teams to ensure seamless execution of chip development.

o Work closely with product marketing, software, and manufacturing teams to align on product goals and technical specifications.

o Facilitate regular status meetings, design reviews, and updates to keep stakeholders informed and aligned.

· Risk Management and Mitigation:

o Identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the chip design lifecycle, including technical challenges, timeline delays, and resource constraints.

o Create contingency plans to manage project risks and resolve issues promptly.

· Stakeholder Communication:

o Act as the primary point of contact for internal teams, external partners, and customers throughout the program's duration.

o Manage communication between internal engineering teams, vendors, and customers, ensuring all parties are informed of progress, changes, and risks.

· Resource Management:

o Manage program resources, including engineering teams, tools, and external partners, to optimize project efficiency.

o Work with management to forecast resource needs, manage budgets, and ensure optimal use of manpower and tools.

· Documentation and Reporting:

o Maintain detailed documentation on project deliverables, timelines, issues, and solutions.

o Provide regular status reports to executive leadership, highlighting progress, risks, and budget status.

· Customer Interface:

o Collaborate with customer teams to clarify chip requirements, provide technical guidance, and ensure that design specifications meet customer needs.

o Coordinate customer deliverables and ensure a smooth transition from development to production.

· Post-Tape-Out Support:

o Provide ongoing support after GDSII handoff, ensuring successful product verification, testing, and ramp-up into production.

o Manage post-tape-out changes, including any necessary re-spins or design modifications, while minimizing impact on timelines and cost.

Qualifications and Skills:

· Educational Background:

o Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics/Electrical/Computer Science. An MBA is a plus.

· Experience:

o 7+ years of experience in program or project management in the semiconductor industry, particularly in chip design (from RTL to GDSII).

o Proven track record of managing complex VLSI/ASIC/SoC projects through multiple development phases.

· Technical Knowledge:

o Strong understanding of the chip design process, including RTL design, physical design, DFT, and tape-out processes.

o Familiarity with EDA tools (e.g., Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor) and design methodologies.

o Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and post-GDSII phases such as validation and product engineering.

· Project Management Skills:

o Expertise in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, or others).

o Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Soft Skills:

o Excellent verbal and written communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.

o Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of working across departments and with customers.

o Proactive problem-solving abilities and experience in managing conflicts and change requests.

· Certifications (Preferred):

o PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent is a plus.

o Knowledge of functional safety standards (ISO 26262) or industry-specific requirements like ASIL is a plus.