Technical R&D Project Manager

Description:

Cardo Systems is the market leader in wireless communication systems for motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and outdoor helmets. We build rugged, beautifully engineered products that blend embedded software, audio, and connectivity into experiences riders love.

We are seeking a Technical R&D Project Manager to drive complex, multidisciplinary projects through planning and delivery across multidisciplinary R&D teams and coordinate all dependencies from prototype to mass production.

Full-time position * Location: Raanana * Reporting to: VP, R&D.

The Role

In this role, you’ll manage a portfolio of R&D projects, primarily focusing on embedded software/firmware, while synchronizing deliverables across Hardware, Electronics, Mechanical, Application, and QA. You’ll serve as the operational “glue” that keeps milestones, risks, and dependencies aligned. 

What You’ll Do

• Own the Plan: Define scope, WBS, schedules, and critical paths. Maintain integrated R&D internal roadmaps and dependencies.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive day-to-day execution across Embedded SW/FW, App, HW, Mech, Electronics, QA; run Scrum of Scrums; clear blockers fast.
• Delivery Excellence: Manage stage-gate and release readiness.
• KPIs & Reporting: Establish measurable goals such as schedule adherence and test coverage, and deliver crisp status to the VP of R&D.
• Process Enablement: Improve Agile/Stage-Gate PPM processes, templates, and checklists; champion “right-sized” best practices.

What You Bring

• Experience: 5+ years managing technical R&D projects/programs in embedded systems/consumer electronics or similar multi-disciplinary environments.
• Core Background: Software engineering foundation (required); electrical/electronic knowledge (nice to have).
• Systems Mindset: Comfortable spanning SW/FW, HW, Mech, QA, App - with a track record of delivering integrated products.
• Execution Skills: Mastery of scheduling, critical path, dependency/risk management, and change control.
• Tools: Jira/Confluence, MS Project/Smartsheet, PLM (Arena or similar), Git-based workflows; familiarity with requirements tools (Jama/DOORS) a plus.
• Domain Plus: Experience with Bluetooth, audio/DSP, RF, batteries, environmental reliability, and NPI with EMS/CMs is advantageous.
• Communication: Clear, data-driven communicator; stakeholder and vendor management across time zones.
• Education: B.Sc. in Software/Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics, or related. Advanced degrees are a plus.
• Certifications (Preferred): PMP, PMI-ACP, or Scrum Master.

Why join Cardo?

• Build products riders love - where embedded software meets premium audio and rugged industrial design.
• Work end-to-end: concept → validation → mass production → continuous improvement.
• Great people, practical processes, and a culture that ships.