Manufacturing Consultant — Consumer Electronics (Solar Power Bank), China-Based Factory Oversight

We are a California-based solar technology startup developing a solar-charging power bank (Qi2 wireless charging, custom PV module, MCU/PMIC-based design). The product is moving from prototype into DVT and PVT with an ODM in China, targeting a crowdfunding launch. We're looking for an experienced NPI program manager or manufacturing consultant to oversee our manufacturing partner and keep the program on schedule and on quality. Scope of Work: Program management: maintain Gantt chart and milestone tracking across DVT and PVT, weekly status reports to leadership, flag risks and delays early Vendor oversight: manage ongoing engagement with our ODM and PV panel supplier, hold them accountable to agreed deadlines and quality commitments, escalate and unblock issues DVT phase: tooling finalization oversight, manufacturability validation, supplier deliverable review PVT phase: pilot production oversight, quality validation, scaling readiness toward fulfillment volumes QC inspections at key milestones: on-site product inspections during builds and pre-shipment, with reliability testing aligned to drop (1.2m), IP65, and thermal (-10°C to 45°C) targets On-site factory visits in Guangdong area as needed Requirements: 5+ years NPI or manufacturing program management experience in consumer electronics (power banks, chargers, IoT devices, or battery products strongly preferred) Based in China (Shenzhen/Dongguan area preferred) or able to travel to factories regularly Hands-on experience taking products through EVT/DVT/PVT with Chinese ODMs Familiar with QC inspection standards (AQL sampling, reliability testing) Fluent in Mandarin and English, able to report clearly in written English Experience with battery products and related compliance (UN38.3, UL 2056) is a plus To Apply, Please Include: Relevant case studies: products you took from DVT to mass production, your specific role, and outcomes (timeline adherence, yield, issues caught) Your resume or team profiles Your rate structure: monthly retainer and/or per-visit / per-man-day rates for factory inspections Your availability and expected engagement length Engagement: Part-time retainer, estimated 3–6 months through PVT and first production run, with possibility of extension.