Role OverviewVelaura is designing the compute silicon that will power the next generation of robots, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines operating in the physical world. As Senior Engineering Program Manager, you will drive execution of our Physical AI System-on-Chip (SoC) program across its full scope: silicon development, platform hardware, software, and third-party IP (3PIP) vendors.
This role is the connective tissue of the program. You will own the integrated program schedule from architecture through tapeout, silicon bring-up, and platform/software readiness- coordinating internal engineering teams, external IP providers, and manufacturing partners. You will surface risks early, drive decisions to closure, and keep a complex, multi-disciplinary program moving at startup speed.
Responsibilities- Own the end-to-end SoC program plan: define and maintain the integrated schedule spanning architecture, RTL design, verification, physical design, tapeout, silicon bring-up, and production readiness.
- Drive platform and software program execution in parallel with silicon-board development, firmware, drivers, SDK, and system validation-so that software and platform readiness track silicon milestones.
- Manage third-party IP (3PIP) vendor engagements: track licensing and contract milestones, deliverable schedules, quality metrics, errata, and integration dependencies across multiple IP providers.
- Run program-level rhythm: milestone reviews, cross-functional syncs, executive status reporting, and decision logs that keep stakeholders aligned and accountable.
- Identify, quantify, and drive mitigation of program risks across silicon, platform, software, and vendor workstreams; escalate with data and proposed options, not just problems.
- Coordinate external execution partners-foundry, OSAT, design services, and platform manufacturing-on schedules, deliverables, and dependencies.
- Build the program management processes, tools, and templates for a growing engineering organization, and mentor teams on execution discipline
Required Qualifications- 10+ years of engineering program management experience in semiconductors, with at least one complex SoC program managed from architecture through tapeout and bring-up.
- Demonstrated experience managing programs that span silicon, platform hardware, and software-understanding the distinct execution rhythms and dependencies of each.
- Hands-on experience managing third-party IP vendors, including deliverable tracking, milestone-based contracts, and cross-vendor dependency management.
- Working technical fluency in SoC development: ability to engage credibly in discussions of RTL milestones, verification coverage, physical design closure, DFT, and software/firmware bring-up.
- Expert command of program management fundamentals: schedule development and critical-path analysis, risk management, change control, and stakeholder communication.
- Proven ability to influence without authority across engineering, vendor, and executive audiences; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with programs in advanced process nodes and with foundry/OSAT engagement models.
- Experience in edge AI, automotive, robotics, or other embedded/safety-adjacent domains, including familiarity with quality and functional-safety development processes.
- Experience at an early-stage or high-growth company, building program management practices from the ground up.
- Master's degree in engineering or business.
$200,000 - $500,000 a year
Compensation & BenefitsAt Velaura, we believe exceptional talent deserves exceptional rewards. Compensation for this role includes a competitive base salary, performance-based incentives, and equity participation, allowing team members to share in the company's long-term success.
Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
In addition to compensation, Velaura offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; flexible work arrangements; professional development opportunities; and other benefits designed to support the well-being and growth of our team.
Velaura is committed to pay equity and transparency and regularly benchmarks compensation to ensure we remain competitive in the market.
