Release Manager

Job Description

Expected Skills & Experience

Education: B.Sc. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.

Technical Leadership Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Technical Project Manager, Technical Program Manager, or Release Manager managing both inbound and outbound release workflows.

R&D Background: Direct background as an Engineer (Software Developer preferred; System Integration/Test Lead background considered).

Large-Scale Systems Expertise: Deep experience managing deployment pipelines for large, complex Hardware + Software integrated systems (Telecommunications, Networking, or Cable/Broadband systems preferred).

Customer-Facing Capabilities: Proven track record in a customer-facing capacity, managing deployment dependencies, post-release support, or technical operations.

Risk Management & Planning: Expert ability to map dependencies, construct release schedules, and execute risk-mitigation strategies across parallel project tracks.

Nice-to-have Skills & Experience

Agile Frameworks: Experience working with Agile SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) methodology in large enterprise R&D environments.

AI & Automation Tools: Hands-on experience leveraging AI tools (e.g., AI-assisted project management, predictive risk modeling, generative workflow tools) to drive productivity and release automation.

Telecommunications Domain: Domain knowledge in DOCSIS, PON, virtualized broadband, or IP networking protocols.

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Release & Deployment Management: Lead inbound (R&D-facing) and outbound (customer/integration-facing) release and deployment cycles for multi-tiered R&D projects.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with R&D, Technical Support, System Integration, Product Management, and Field Teams to define scope, release criteria, and delivery timelines.

Risk & Issue Governance: Proactively identify, track, and mitigate release risks, operational bottlenecks, and open technical issues.

Reporting & Visibility: Provide executive-level reporting on release health, deployment readiness metrics, and deployment milestones to leadership.

Process Optimization: Establish, refine, and enforce repeatable release standards and quality gates across global teams.

Customer Alignment: Act as a point of contact for customer-facing deployment readiness, software upgrades, and operational handoffs.

Department/Project Description

Harmonic is the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband solutions, shaping the next generation of multigigabit connectivity. We revolutionized broadband networking via the industry’s first virtualized broadband solution, enabling broadband operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet service to consumers’ homes and mobile devices. Learn more at www.harmonicinc.com