--- title: 'Hardware Technical Program Manager at HaloBraid' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-technical-program-manager-halobraid-cambridge-7gzqpvv8zj4d' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-15' --- # Hardware Technical Program Manager at HaloBraid - **Company:** HaloBraid - **Location:** Cambridge, MA - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-09-30 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-15 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/halobraid/d752e88b-3a67-40df-a194-7c0906bf9dd6 ## Job description Halo is a technology company building the future of haircare for all textures. We create category-defining products built for the complexities others overlook. We're building HaloBraid, the world's first braid-assist device. It helps stylists finish braids five times faster, flawlessly and gently. This is one of the hardest unsolved problems in robotics, applied to a $270B salon services industry, and integrating computer vision, compliant fiber manipulation, and novel mechanisms. Billions of hours are spent braiding hair each year; HaloBraid gives that time back. We're moving from R&D into deployment with salons, and we're backed by leading investors. We’re searching for a Hardware Technical Program Manager who wants to help bring this future to life. This role reports to the CEO. ## Responsibilities - Lead cross-functional hardware programs from concept through launch, driving the team to alignment on requirements across engineering, design, and operations. - Build and maintain detailed schedules, highlighting dependencies and key week-to-week deliverables while driving the program to launch. - Translate technical requirements into clear, actionable plans. - Organize and oversee prototyping builds with engineering, manage communication with external prototyping partners to ensure we meet build goals & learnings. - Identify and mitigate technical risks through disciplined program management and proactive communication. - Identify and implement process improvements that accelerate development. ## Requirements - 5+ years of experience in hardware program / product / project management - Ability to translate engineering concepts into clear plans that keep the technical team focused and on track. You know how to remove blockers and mitigate risks before they escalate. - A proven track record managing and coordinating complex, cross-functional projects successfully - Used Gantt Charts, PRDs, and FMEAs to manage hardware production cycles - Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build relationships and influence others - An ability to bridge internal and external teams in different geographies and time zones. - Previously balanced multiple priorities in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment. - An ability to get things done, and pay attention to detail without dropping the ball - Experience bringing up and managing overseas contract manufacturers Desired Skills & Experience (optional but the more, the better) - Led multiple hardware development projects taking high quality products through production - Experience in consumer electronics, IoT, hair styling tools, robotics, or 3D printing - Technical expertise in areas like CAD, design for manufacturing (DFM), testing, or embedded systems Working Style - Low ego, adaptable, and collaborative spirit - Excited to learn through fast-paced iteration and user feedback - Passionate, driven by innovation - Excellent communication and organization, an ability to concisely convey and discuss complex ideas Benefits of Working with Us: - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits - 100% medical premium coverage - Meaningful equity - 12 company holidays and unlimited PTO - Company subsidized parking or commute for onsite employees Onsite Work This is an onsite position at our office/lab in Cambridge, MA. You must have authorization to work in the US. There will be travel required ~20% of the time. Applications for this role will close October 23, 2026 Don’t Meet Every Requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align with every single part of the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization. ## About HaloBraid ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: HaloBraid is a robotics startup building an automated braiding assistant to dramatically reduce the time required for professional hair braiding, starting with a device for salons. - **Entity Type**: Private (Seed stage) - **Headquarters**: Boston, Massachusetts, USA - **Founded**: 2023 (based on earliest funding round) - **Founders**: Yinka Ogunbiyi ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Personal Care Product Manufacturing, Robotics, Beauty Tech - **Target customers**: Professional hair salons and stylists (B2B), with a long-term vision to serve individual consumers - **Mission or purpose statement**: To create breakthrough technology that makes textured haircare faster, easier, more comfortable, and more joyful. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) ## Products & Services - **HaloBraid Device**: A robotic braiding assistant for professional stylists. The stylist starts the braid, and the device finishes it in seconds. Designed for knotless and box braids. The product is patent-pending and slated to launch in 2026. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (private company) - **Key Metric**: Total funding of $7.1M (a $100K grant from Harvard Innovation Labs in 2023 and a $7M seed round in June 2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Seven Seven Six (led by Alexis Ohanian), AlleyCorp, Bling Capital, Harvard Innovation Labs [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Growth Signals**: Raised a $7M seed round in June 2026; team has grown to approximately 15 people; has 9 active job postings; website traffic has grown +689% year-over-year; the company is preparing for its first product launch later in 2026. ## Competitive Advantages - **First-mover in a massive, underserved market**: An estimated 8 billion hours are spent braiding hair each year, and 95% of people surveyed said they would braid more often if it took less time. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Founder with deep domain expertise**: Yinka Ogunbiyi is a biomechanical engineer with an MS in engineering from Harvard and an MBA, who previously founded a smart cooking appliance company. She has approached braiding as a technical problem, borrowing methods from material science and inkjet printing. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Patent-pending technology**: The company has filed patents for its core braiding mechanism, creating a defensible moat in a market with very few competitors (the most notable being Braidiant). [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Strong investor backing**: The seed round was led by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six, a top-tier venture firm, signaling strong confidence in the company's vision. ## Strategic Focus - **Product Launch**: The immediate priority is launching the first HaloBraid device to salons later in 2026. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Product Development & Manufacturing**: Using the $7M seed round to fund product development, manufacturing, and securing salon partnerships. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Future Product Pipeline**: The team is already exploring additional devices, such as one that can undo braids. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) - **Team Growth**: The company is actively hiring across engineering and operations, with 9 open positions as of mid-2026, signaling a major scaling phase. ## Why Work Here - **High-Impact, Early-Stage Role**: As a small team of ~15 people, new hires will have significant ownership and impact on the product and company direction. - **Cutting-Edge Hardware & Robotics**: The work involves solving complex problems in robotics, mechatronics, and material science, making it an exciting opportunity for engineers. - **Mission-Driven**: The company is addressing a real pain point for millions of people, with a focus on textured hair care—a historically underserved market. - **Hybrid Work Environment**: The Boston office operates on a hybrid model, blending remote and on-site work. [builtinboston.com](https://www.builtinboston.com/company/halobraid) - **Strong Perks**: Benefits include company equity, health insurance (dental, life, medical), and a strong company culture rated 4.3/5.0 by employees. [builtinboston.com](https://www.builtinboston.com/company/halobraid) - **Diverse & Inclusive Mission**: The company is founded by a Black woman engineer and is focused on a product that serves a historically overlooked market, suggesting a strong culture of inclusion and purpose. ## Sources 1. [halobraid.com](https://www.halobraid.com/) 2. [jobs.ashbyhq.com](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/halobraid) 3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/halo-braid) 4. [techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/halobraid-raises-7m-from-seven-seven-six-to-end-the-six-hour-hair-salon-appointment/) 5. [builtinboston.com](https://www.builtinboston.com/company/halobraid) ## Other roles at HaloBraid - [Social Media Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/social-media-manager-halobraid-new-york-wkfxbx0s863p) — New York, NY - [Senior Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-halobraid-cambridge-rta9ff64wkt5) — Cambridge, MA - [Principal Mechanical Engineer / Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-mechanical-engineer-systems-engineer-halobraid-cambridge-j9f4rkzhd799) — Cambridge, MA - [Hardware Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-technical-program-manager-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-cmdwsspgbcga) — Sunnyvale, CA - [Hardware Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-technical-program-manager-kodiak-mountain-view-ne6r504zg7w7) — Mountain View, CA - [Hardware Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-technical-program-manager-base-power-company-austin-5wjnfx9e2fy7) — Austin, TX - [Hardware Technical Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-technical-program-manager-efficient-computer-san-francisco-bay-area-or-0q569t2yxvq8) — San Francisco Bay Area OR Pittsburgh PA OR Austin, TX