• Process Improvement Program Manager

    TP-Link North America, Inc. (Irvine, CA)


    About Us:

    Headquartered in the United States, TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devices and smart home products, consistently ranked as the world’s top provider of Wi-Fi devices. The company is committed to delivering innovative products that enhance people’s lives through faster, more reliable connectivity. With a commitment to excellence, TP-Link serves customers in over 170 countries and continues to grow its global footprint.

     

    We believe technology changes the world for the better! At TP-Link Systems Inc, we are committed to crafting dependable, high-performance products to connect users worldwide with the wonders of technology.

     

    Embracing professionalism, innovation, excellence, and simplicity, we aim to assist our clients in achieving remarkable global performance and enable consumers to enjoy a seamless, effortless lifestyle.

    About the role:

    The Process Improvement Engineer (Program Manager) leads cross-functional programs that improve efficiency, quality, and scalability across the full product lifecycle of consumer and B2B electronic products. This role blends strong program management discipline with hands-on process optimization across hardware development, embedded software, manufacturing, supply chain, and post-launch operations.

     

    The ideal candidate understands the complexities of hardware–software integration, global manufacturing, and high-volume product environments, and can translate process improvements into measurable cost, quality, and time-to-market gains.

    Key Responsibilities:

    + Lead end-to-end process improvement programs spanning product development, NPI, manufacturing, supply chain, software release cycles, and field quality

    + Drive cross-functional alignment across Hardware Engineering, Firmware/Software, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Product, and Customer Support

    + Apply structured process improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, value stream mapping, root cause analysis) to reduce cycle time, defects, and operational cost

    + Improve hardware–software handoff processes, including requirements flow-down, change management, and release coordination

    + Define program scope, milestones, dependencies, risks, and success metrics; ensure on-time, on-budget delivery

    + Facilitate current-state and future-state mapping for complex, multi-system workflows (PLM, ERP, MES, ticketing systems)

    + Lead change management efforts to ensure adoption of new processes across global teams and manufacturing partners

    + Establish KPIs and dashboards to track yield, DPPM, cycle time, software release stability, and post-launch issues

    + Identify opportunities for automation, tooling, and system integration to improve execution and visibility

    Requirements

    Required Qualifications:

    + Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems) or related field

    + 5+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, or engineering roles with program management ownership

    + Experience working in electronics, hardware, or device-based products with embedded software or firmware

    + Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across engineering, operations, and manufacturing

    + Strong analytical, documentation, and stakeholder communication skills

    Preferred Qualifications

    + Lean or Six Sigma Green Belt or higher

    + Experience with NPI, contract manufacturing, or global supply chains

    + Familiarity with PLM, ERP, MES, and program management tools (e.g., Jira, Monday.com, Smartsheet, MS Project and Confluence)

    + Exposure to post-market quality, field returns, or customer-reported defect analysis

     

    Key Competencies

     

    + Program leadership in complex technical environments

    + Hardware–software lifecycle understanding

    + Operational scalability and execution excellence

    + Change management and stakeholder influence

    + Data-driven decision-making

     

    Benefits

    Salary: $140,000

    + Benefits:

     

    Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (partial coverage for dependents)

     

    Contributions to 401k funds

     

    Over four weeks of PTO per year

     

    Bi-annual pay increases

     

    Health and wellness benefits, including free gym membership

     

    Quarterly team-building events

     

    At TP-Link Systems Inc., we are continually searching for ambitious individuals who are passionate about their work. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, collaboration, and drives our entrepreneurial spirit. As a global company, we highly value diverse perspectives and are committed to cultivating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Beyond compliance, we strive to create a supportive and growth-oriented workplace for everyone. If you share our passion and connection to this mission, we welcome you to apply and join us in building a vibrant and inclusive team at TP-Link Systems Inc.