Technical Program Manager, Product Design

San Francisco · 5+ years experience · Full-time · Onsite · Posted Oct 2, 2026

At a glance

Sesame believes in a future where computers are lifelike - with the ability to see, hear, and collaborate with us in ways that feel natural and human. With this vision, we're designing a new kind of computer, focused on making voice agents part of our daily lives. Our team brings together founders from Oculus and Ubiquity6, alongside proven leaders from Meta, Google, and Apple, with deep expertise spanning hardware and software. Join us in shaping a future where computers truly come alive.

Sesame is seeking a Technical Program Manager for Product Design to own the program plan for the mechanical side of a compact wearable integrating complex sensing and computing systems.
The role involves carrying hundreds of mechanical parts through design release, tooling, validation, and factory builds while collaborating with Product Design, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, and Operations teams.

Own the Product Design program schedule from concept through EVT, DVT and PVT, including part release, tooling kickoff, first-shots, validation and phase exit criteria.
Run the PD release and change-control process: every part has a release date, an owner and a status in our PLM tool.
Program-manage styles, colors and materials: cosmetic material qualification, color development, SKU rollout planning.
Coordinate design validation and reliability testing for mechanical parts, and own closure of design-review action items.
Manage tooling, materials, cosmetic-part and packaging suppliers: quotes, POs, sample requests, tooling timelines and delivery schedules.
Plan mechanical materials and build matrices for prototype builds, and lead mechanical build readiness across factory sites.
Run failure analysis triage for mechanical and cosmetic issues: every issue has an owner, a due date and a path to closure.
Maintain the Product Design section of the program's master issues list and weekly status, aligned with area leads.
Travel to contract manufacturer and supplier sites for builds, tooling reviews and validation as needed.

BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years of experience in hardware program management or mechanical/product design engineering of consumer electronics, with at least 2 years managing programs.
Hands-on experience releasing mechanical parts and taking them through tooling and prototype builds (EVT/DVT/PVT or equivalent).
Working knowledge of high-volume manufacturing processes (injection molding, machining, stamping, cosmetic finishing) and tolerance, DFM and validation practices.
Direct experience managing tooling, materials or fabrication suppliers, including quotes, POs, samples and schedules.
Experience running change control and part release in a PLM tool.
Strong written communication; able to run a program with clear plans, decision logs and status updates.
Ability to travel internationally, up to 25%.

Experience with wearables or other products with heavy industrial design and cosmetic constraints.
Experience with premium cosmetic materials and finishes and their supply chains.
Experience managing many SKUs, colors or configurations through a single program.
Experience with packaging or accessories programs.
Experience working with contract manufacturers.
Experience with Linear, Arena or similar issue and PLM tools.
Startup experience, or ownership of new product programs at a large company.

401 (k) max employer match: 3.5% of compensation
100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for you and your dependents
Unlimited PTO and sick time
Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year (medical FSA)
Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Competitive stock options