Senior Manager - Hardware Returns & Failure Analysis

About Halter

Halter is revolutionizing livestock management by enabling farmers and graziers to run highly productive and sustainable operations using innovative technology. Our customers rely on our solutions to replace traditional, labour-intensive practices with smarter, animal-friendly methods. For example, our system peacefully guides cattle without the use of quad bikes, dogs, or fences, transforming the industry and improving lives globally. Our team is dedicated to solving tough problems with high performance, creativity, and care. We are supported by leading investors including Founders Fund, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Rocket Lab’s Peter Beck.

Role Overview

We are searching for an accomplished leader to head our Reliability & Failure Analysis division. This role focuses on developing faster, more precise methods to diagnose hardware failures in our products, including devices like collars and towers that operate globally and must remain functional for 6-10 years without service or repair. You'll lead a team responsible for detailed root cause investigations of complex electromechanical failures, bridging field and lab insights with engineering development to enhance reliability worldwide. This pivotal role supports our expansion and has significant impact on global farming.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the entire returns workflow from intake, careful handling, triage, diagnostics, storage, to traceability, establishing performance goals for processing speed, throughput, and diagnostic accuracy.
• Continuously refine diagnostic procedures to boost precision and minimize unnecessary 'no-fault-found' results.
• Engage hands-on with the most challenging and uncertain hardware failure cases, maintaining closeness to the product.
• Oversee the enhancement of the failure analysis laboratory, planning to develop in-house advanced capabilities like X-Ray/CT scanning, cross-sectioning, and SEM imaging.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, production, supplier quality, and networking teams to share trends, findings, and specific failure analyses, wielding important influence within the company.
• Recruit and nurture a top-performing team characterized by disciplined processes, strong technical skills, and a persistent investigative mindset, while fostering continuous professional growth.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience in electronics engineering, especially in troubleshooting and diagnosing complex hardware malfunctions.
• At least five years of leadership experience in building and guiding high-achieving engineering teams.
• Strong communication abilities to convey technical results clearly and effectively across diverse teams.
• Intense curiosity and a methodical approach to verifying root causes using solid evidence.
• Proactive attitude with a hands-on mentality and readiness to address broader challenges as they arise.
• Low ego, highly collaborative, and focused on collective success rather than individual recognition.

Benefits

• Access to a range of snacks and beverages to support daily energy.
• Partnership with Southern Cross Health Insurance for employee wellness.
• Generous parental leave policies including six months fully paid leave for primary caregivers and four weeks for secondary caregivers, along with additional family support benefits.
• Annual personal development allowance of $1000 to support continuous learning and growth.
• Wellness leave and an unlimited paid vacation policy to value personal recharge time.
• Comprehensive remuneration package featuring salary, benefits, and an employee stock ownership plan.

Work Culture and Approach

Halter embraces an office-first culture, emphasizing the importance of in-person collaboration to foster growth, learning, and high-impact teamwork. Although primarily based in the Auckland office, we allow flexibility when necessary, trusting our employees to act in the company's best interest. Our lively, supportive office environment enhances daily work experiences, creative problem solving, and meaningful relationship building.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute their best work. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if not all qualifications are met, as diversity fuels innovation and excellence.