Hardware Operations Specialist

About the Role

We are looking for a Hardware Operations Specialist to support the day-to-day execution of our hardware operations.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role. You will work closely with the hardware team to keep inventory, shipments, parts, and operational tasks organized and moving. You are not expected to come in knowing how to manage every part of hardware operations, and you will not be responsible for making major supply chain or manufacturing decisions on your own. What matters most is that you are organized, reliable, able to follow through, comfortable working with physical hardware, and eager to learn. The role will start with a defined set of responsibilities and expand as you build experience and demonstrate good judgment.

What You’ll Work On

• Track inventory at our local contract manufacturer, including what is on hand, incoming, allocated, and shipped
• Keep inventory records and shipment tracking information accurate and up to date
• Support USA domestic logistics, including preparing shipments, coordinating with carriers, tracking deliveries, and helping resolve shipping issues
• Follow up with our contract manufacturer, suppliers, and internal teams on open operational items
• Help organize hardware, spare parts, packaging materials, and finished goods
• Flag inventory discrepancies, shipment delays, or other issues to the team early
• Support day-to-day hardware operational tasks as priorities change
• Maintain clear records so the team knows the latest status without having to reconstruct what happened

What You Can Grow Into

As you become familiar with our products, suppliers, and processes, you may gradually take on additional responsibilities such as:

• Coordinating rework activities at our local contract manufacturer
• Supporting communication with China-based suppliers
• Preparing, placing, and tracking purchase orders under guidance from the hardware team
• Supporting spare parts planning and inventory allocation
• Coordinating international shipments
• Supporting production builds, material readiness, and build tracking
• Helping track manufacturing and quality issues through resolution
• Taking ownership of defined operational workflows once you have demonstrated readiness

The pace and scope of this growth will depend on your experience and readiness. We do not expect someone joining this role to already know how to do all of these things.

What You’ll Need

• 3+ years of experience in hardware operations, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, inventory management, or another hands-on operational role
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions, keep track of multiple open items, and reliably close the loop
• Ability to understand when information or requirements have changed and make sure records and actions reflect the latest direction
• Comfortable asking questions when something is unclear instead of making assumptions
• Comfortable handling physical parts, packaging, assemblies, and finished hardware
• Basic familiarity with hardware manufacturing concepts such as a Bill of Materials (BOM) and cost BOM (CBOM), or willingness to learn them quickly
• Comfortable working in a fast-changing environment where priorities can shift frequently
• Willingness to take on ad-hoc tasks when needed - a significant portion of hardware operations cannot always be predicted in advance
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to be onsite in San Jose, CA at least 2 times per week

Nice to Have

• Experience working with a contract manufacturer or in a manufacturing environment
• Exposure to overseas suppliers or China-based manufacturing
• Experience with inventory, ERP, purchasing, or logistics systems
• Consumer electronics or hardware startup experience
• Mandarin language skills
• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or an engineering discipline, etc