Program Manager (Chip Development)

Job Title

Program Manager (Chip Development)

Role Summary

Lead end-to-end program management for complex ASIC/SoC development projects, driving schedule, budget, quality, and cross-functional alignment from concept through silicon validation and volume production.

Work closely with architecture, design, verification, physical design, software, test, product, operations, and external partners while ensuring automotive safety, security, and process compliance.

Experience Level

Senior level — requires 8+ years in the semiconductor industry with at least 3–5 years in dedicated program or project management for chip development.

Responsibilities

Manage technical program delivery, compliance, customer relationships, and continuous improvement across the chip development lifecycle.

• Define program scope, objectives, deliverables, success criteria, schedules, budgets, and critical paths.
• Drive cross-functional execution from RTL through silicon bring-up and mass production; track milestones and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434, and Automotive SPICE requirements; support audits and safety/cybersecurity analyses (FMEDA, FTA, TARA).
• Serve as primary technical and program interface to customers; communicate status, negotiate tradeoffs, and translate customer requirements into internal plans.
• Manage risks, dependencies, change requests, and vendor relationships (foundries, IP providers, packaging partners).
• Facilitate decision-making, prepare executive and technical presentations, and lead post-mortems to capture lessons learned.

Requirements

Must-have technical program management experience and domain knowledge specific to chip development and automotive standards. Certifications and deeper tool experience listed as desirable.

• 8+ years in the semiconductor industry; proven record leading multiple ASIC/SoC programs from concept to production.
• Practical understanding of the complete chip flow: RTL, synthesis, place & route, timing closure, verification, DFT, packaging, and silicon bring-up.
• Direct experience implementing ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434, and ASPICE in semiconductor projects; familiarity with ASILs and TARA processes.
• Familiarity with EDA tools and design flows (Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens EDA) and verification methodologies (UVM, formal).
• Hands-on experience with program tools and workflows (Jira, Confluence) and program management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid).
• Strong customer-facing skills, stakeholder management, and ability to negotiate technical/schedule tradeoffs.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Nice-to-have: PMP or equivalent certification; experience with automotive silicon technologies (CPUs, GPUs, AI accelerators) and advanced process nodes/packaging.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. PMP or equivalent program management certification is highly desirable. Equivalent practical experience in semiconductor program management is acceptable.

About the Company

Company: Ethernovia

Develops advanced automotive communication semiconductors and systems, focusing on digital SoC design and verification for networking, video, DSP and related IP. Startup-stage employer offering pre-IPO stock options and benefits.