TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

Location: on-site in San Jose
Ayar Labs is pioneering the future of high-speed, energy-efficient optical I/O—and we’re looking for a skilled and motivated Project Manager to help turn that vision into reality. In this role, you’ll be at the heart of silicon development, driving execution across critical phases such as tapeout, bringup, validation, and production ramp. You’ll collaborate closely with world-class engineers, foundry partners, 3rd-party IP vendors, and cross-functional teams to keep programs on track and aligned with our roadmap.
This is a high-visibility, high-impact opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge photonic chip development that’s redefining how data moves in AI, HPC, and cloud infrastructure. If you’re energized by complex technical challenges, thrive in fast-paced environments, and want to be part of a team shaping the future of computing—this role is for you.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience, including 2–5 years in program or project management for Silicon, ASIC, or IP development.
• Hands-on experience across the silicon development lifecycle, with technical depth in at least one of the following: design, verification, implementation, physical design, DFT, or silicon validation—and working knowledge of the others to effectively evaluate tradeoffs and guide discussions.
• Experience working with vendors and external partners across global time zones.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Able to manage multiple workstreams while keeping priorities clear.
• Able to navigate and contribute in a cross-functional technical environment involving engineering, operations, supply chain, and more.
• Proficient in project tracking and collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, Excel/Google Sheets, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
  Salary range: $140,000 - $160,000

• Support project planning and execution across the silicon lifecycle, including tapeout, bringup, validation, and production ramp.
• Maintain and track detailed program schedules, milestones, deliverables, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Collaborate with teams across design, verification, validation, DFT, test engineering, product engineering, packaging, and operations to drive alignment and execution.
• Manage relationships with 3rd-party IP (3PIP) vendors, including tracking IP deliverables, licensing terms, and issue resolution.
• Track and manage EDA tools and software licenses, including renewals, usage monitoring, and coordination with internal IT and procurement teams.
• Coordinate closely with the foundry partner to manage tapeout schedules, manufacturing milestones, technical deliverables, and issue resolution, ensuring alignment.
• Identify, track, and escalate risks, blockers, and delays, and work proactively with stakeholders to resolve them.
• Support document management, change control, and internal reporting to leadership.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by optimizing workflows, communication paths, and execution processes.