Hardware Manager

Description:

Cardo Systems is a provider of cutting-edge communication and connectivity devices and applications for powersports and outdoor enthusiasts. In 2026, Cardo is proudly unveiling its Beyond Helmet line, the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry, fostering a new age in safety, sound, and communications. After pioneering the world’s first Bluetooth-based wireless intercom headset in 2004, Cardo has been responsible for many of the industry’s innovations, revolutionizing communication, pushing technological boundaries, and enhancing user safety. Now sold in over 100 countries, Cardo is proud to be the world’s leading communication device for groups in motion.

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated Hardware Manager to lead our hardware engineering team within the R&D organization. Reporting to the VP of R&D, this senior leadership role is responsible for driving hardware development excellence across multidisciplinary products, from concept through mass production.

Position Overview

As the Hardware Manager, you will lead the hardware engineering team and drive the design, development, validation, and certification of complex electronic products. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Software, Mechanical, QA, Engineering, NPI, Purchasing, and more - to ensure seamless product development from concept through mass production.

In this role, you will shape the hardware strategy, strengthen engineering processes, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and compliant products that support Cardo’s innovation and business goals.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 6 hardware engineers while fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and innovation-driven culture.
• Own the full hardware development lifecycle, from requirements definition and architecture through design, validation, and production release.
• Drive hardware architecture, design reviews, and technical decision-making to ensure alignment with product requirements and system constraints.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful system integration, smooth execution, and timely product delivery.
• Define and implement testing and validation methodologies to ensure performance, reliability, safety, and compliance with industry standards.
• Lead certification and regulatory compliance activities for new and existing products, ensuring adherence to applicable standards and market requirements.
• Establish and maintain detailed documentation, including specifications, design documents, test plans, and reports.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance development efficiency, product quality, and time-to-market.
• Collaborate with Operations and manufacturing partners (EMS/ODM) to address production challenges, optimize product quality, and ensure scalable and cost-effective solutions.
• Support manufacturing activities, including design for manufacturability (DFM), design for testability (DFT), yield improvement, NPI, and production issue resolution.
• Support planning activities, including resource allocation, timelines, and risk management across hardware projects.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive products to drive innovation and maintain technological leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; a Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 10+ years of experience leading hardware development in multidisciplinary product environments.
• Strong hands-on expertise in hardware design, including analog and digital design as well as PCB development.
• Strong background in schematics and layout designs – OrCAD and Altium.
• Deep understanding of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi – RF PHY and MAC.
• Strong knowledge in RF testing and Lab equipment usage.
• Strong understanding of certifications of Low RF Power systems – FCC, CE, TELEC, NCC, SRRC, BSMI.
• Experience with full product lifecycle development – from concept through mass production.
• Solid understanding of testing, validation, and hardware qualification processes.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments, collaborating effectively with Software, Mechanical, QA, and Operations teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead complex technical decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in a matrix organization and influencing cross-functional teams.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status