What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Project Manager - Hardware position at Forge Nano?
Technical Project Manager - Hardware
Summary/Objective
Forge Nano Inc is a global leader in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and nanocoating technologies, enabling breakthroughs in materials performance for industries ranging from semiconductors to energy storage and aerospace. Our proprietary ALD systems and process expertise are redefining what’s possible at the nanoscale. Headquartered in Thornton, Colorado, Forge Nano is a fast-growing, innovation-driven company built on a foundation of collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence.
The Technical Project Manager - Hardware is the primary customer-facing owner responsible for managing all post-purchase order (PO) activities through system delivery readiness. This role ensures clear communication, alignment of expectations, and proactive management of risks during the tool build phase. The PM acts as the central point of coordination between the customer and internal teams including Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Service. This role bridges the gap between commercial handoff and field execution, ensuring a seamless transition into installation and long-term support.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
• Customer ownership (Post-PO to Delivery)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers after PO receipt to communicate build progress, milestone status, risks and delays, change impacts, etc.
• Manage customer expectations with transparency and professionalism.
• Manage customer-facing impacts of engineering changes and scope modifications and ensure alignment between internal changes and customer expectations
Project Timeline & Milestone Management
• Own and maintain the master delivery timeline and track status from PO initiation and sales handoff through design, procurement, assembly, QC/FAT, and shipping steps.
• Identify schedule risks early, anticipate delays, and drive mitigation plans to help alleviate risks. Drive resolution plans across departments. Escalate critical risks with clear recommendations.
Cross-Functional Coordination
• Act as the single-threaded owner across:
o Sales (handoff, scope alignment)
o Engineering (design status, changes)
o Operations (build schedule, material readiness)
o Service (installation readiness, resource planning)
• Run internal alignment meetings, and communicate liberally to ensure all stakeholders are synchronized Handoff to Service
• Ensure customer readiness and clean transition to Service at the appropriate phase by confirming Installation readiness, customer site and facilities requirements
• Align resource planning
• Provide full project context to Service team
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, or related field
• 3 years’ experience in:
o Semiconductor equipment, capital equipment, or complex systems
o Project management or program management
• Strong technical understanding of system builds (ALD or similar preferred)
• Experience working cross-functionally in engineering/manufacturing environments
• Experience managing customers
Core Competencies
• Customer communication & expectation management
• Technical fluency (can translate engineering to customer language)
• Program/project management discipline
• Cross-functional leadership without direct authority
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Executive-level communication, negotiation, and de-escalation skills
Work Environment
Work is carried out in our large technical facility, remotely, and at customer locations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may handle hazardous chemicals at times. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat, etc while in the production environment. An employee in this position works in an environment in which safety, environmental and health concerns may demand constant attention. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear or communicate. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms.
Travel
Minimal travel, with occasional customer site visits are expected for this position. Forge Nano is located in Thornton, CO. The employee is preferred to reside within driving distance of the facility.
Compensation
• $80,000 - $115,000 annual Salary, based on experience.
• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account, Annual Bonus and 401(k) plan.
Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000