Project Natal Hardware Development Program Manager (710392) Job

Job Category: Hardware Engineering
Location: United States, WA, Redmond
Job ID: 710392 10983
Product: Xbox Home
Division: Entertainment & Devices Division

Project Natal, a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required - the only experience needed is life experience. Join the Xbox Project Natal Team and make your mark on the coolest gaming platform. Our group develops the accessories that make hands-free Xbox gaming possible. We are looking for an experienced Program Manager who has a proven track record of managing high volume consumer products and leading multi-disciplinary team, to lead the development of innovative hardware products.

As a senior program manager, you are responsible for leading a cross-functional team of Electrical, Optical, Mechanical, Audio, Firmware, Test, Operations, etc. from initial concept to high volume production of products or products' sub-systems. At the same time, you are challenged to meet program goals for product performance, quality goals, safety/compliance regulatory requirements, product cost, schedule, and development budget. You are also responsible for coordination with Manufacturing, Reliability, Quality, and Engineering to define the product, solidify the business case, and author the product specifications. Given our multitude of design and manufacturing partners, you will participate with negotiations via our Account Managers, Business Development, and Legal.

Your track record must include technical background, managing development of high volume consumer products or sub-systems within a product and multi-disciplinary team leadership, product definition/comprehension, development and execution of master program schedules, program budget definition/management, management of product bill of materials, vendor and contract management, and high volume manufacturing.

You must have a strong desire, passion, and ability to understand consumer needs and a willingness to develop holistic product solutions that delight our customers and exceed their expectations. You should also have a solid comprehension of the console gaming/entertainment industry and demonstrate a personal passion for its growth in the household.

Our definition of program management is one of the most comprehensive, most complex, and most challenging in the industry. You are held accountable to every element of the program. Are you ready?

Primary responsibilities include
Define and manage Product's sub-systems development plan.
Manage and execute the program to deliver in spec, in schedule, under budget, a safe, reliable, compliant, high-quality, secure product for high volume mass production
Team leadership and collaboration of cross functional and cross-organizational product development team.
Applying best practices and formal processes of Program management and Engineering Excellence.
Create statement of work and manage development partners & contract manufacturers.
Lead component and supplier selection and qualification, including contract negotiation and supplier management.
Organize, present, and document technical and program reviews/status to Senior Management.
Organize and lead development builds at the contract manufacturers.
Domestic and international travel required

Required Skills
5+ years program management experience for hardware products in a fast paced environment.
Full Program management responsibility for at least three significant delivered-to-market product development cycles in high volume, consumer products industries.
Demonstrated leadership in working through complex problems in a multi disciplinary environment.
BS/MS Electrical or Mechanical Engineering degree.
Technical background in product development.
Familiarity with broad range of technologies such as USB, Video, Audio, Wi-Fi, Optics, ASICs, etc…
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience with collaboration, and managing resources.
Excellent communication (written and oral) and collaboration skills.
Self-motivated, results driven, risks cognizant
Experience working independently and as part of a team to solve difficult technical, quality, cost, and schedule challenges
Firm comprehension of consumer electronics technologies and landscape

SC:APA

Global

Nearest Major Market: Seattle
Nearest Secondary Market: Bellevue
Job Segments: Business Development, Electrical, Electrical Engineer

with this being in the new"s also:

While reports circulated last week that Project Natal would launch sometime in November 2010, Xbox UK boss Neil Thompson says the details were only rumors. Speaking with Eurogamer at a launch event in London for the console's new social media applications, Thompson said the rumors "weren't accurate" and claimed Microsoft has yet to determine "a lot of things" related to the launch of its new motion-sensing technology.

According to the rumors, Microsoft was set to ship around five million Project Natal units next fall, alongside 14 supporting titles at a price point that could go as low as $50 (£30). When asked about the rumored details and price, Xbox's head of Europe, Chris Lewis, jokingly added, "Now you know better than to listen to that stuff! We will announce in good time."

However, Lewis did remind Eurogamer that Microsoft is striving for "unique" and "compelling" experiences with the technology. "That has to happen and will happen," he said. As long as whatever "happens" doesn't follow Microsoft's traditional Xbox 360 peripheral pricing scheme, we'll be happy.

I think until we get more information we have no Idea yet and it's just a guess.