ESTER

Open role

About the role

Engineering Program Manager (Hardware) to drive the end-to-end program plan from prototype through EVT/DVT/PVT and launch—coordinating hardware, firmware, imaging, app, cloud/AI, and vendors to keep milestones on track and risks visible.

What you’ll do

  • Own the master engineering schedule, critical path, and milestone plan.
  • Create and run weekly program operating rhythms (planning, execution, exec updates).
  • Drive build events (EVT/DVT/PVT): scope, readiness, issue tracking, and learnings.
  • Manage cross-functional dependencies across hardware, firmware, imaging, app, and cloud/AI.
  • Coordinate vendor/CM execution; maintain build readiness checklists and deliverables.
  • Maintain a risk register, mitigation plans, and decision logs for fast alignment.

What we’re looking for

  • Experience shipping complex hardware or HW/SW products.
  • Strong NPI / TPM / EPM fundamentals (planning, execution, risk management).
  • Comfort operating with ambiguity and moving quickly as things change.
  • Strong communication across technical teams and exec stakeholders.
  • Ability to structure messy problems into an operating cadence and clear outcomes.

Bonus points

  • Experience running consumer electronics build phases and vendor programs.
  • Familiarity with imaging/optics or embedded systems programs.

What success looks like

First 30 days

  • Build a clear milestone plan for the current prototype → next build.
  • Establish operating cadence, artifacts (plan, risk register), and stakeholder rhythm.

First 60 days

  • Run one build readiness + execution cycle with tight issue/risk management.
  • Improve cross-functional dependency tracking and decision-making speed.

First 90 days

  • Own end-to-end execution for the next build phase with predictable delivery.
  • Make program health (schedule, risks, dependencies) legible to the whole org.

Why this role is important

Ester’s hardware/software stack has many dependencies and build events. Without a strong EPM, schedule, integration, and vendor execution risk increase. This role reduces that risk by owning the operating rhythm, milestone plan, and issue/risk management.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits.
  • A high-energy and fast-moving environment with lots of growth potential.
  • The chance to take a high-end consumer product in the class of Ring, Oura, Whoop, etc from concept through launch and into users’ homes.
  • Of course, access to best-in-class skin care advisors & resources 🪞✨

How to apply

Drop us an email at hello@ester.health!