Michael Hartnett

About Michael Hartnett

With over two decades of dedicated experience in the dynamic world of system test engineering management, I have carved a niche in driving product excellence across design validation, system testing, and manufacturing landscapes. My career is anchored in the relentless pursuit of innovation, underpinned by robust, risk-based testing strategies that serve as the backbone for achieving unparalleled quality standards in the ever-evolving robotics industry. 🤖Leadership, to me, is not just about guiding teams; it\'s about nurturing talent and unlocking potential. I take pride in fostering environments where cross-functional collaborations thrive, blending diverse skills and perspectives to catalyze organizational growth. My approach is hands-on, centered on mentorship and the professional development of each team member, ensuring that they are equipped, empowered, and inspired to contribute their best. Process optimization and resource planning are the gears of my operational ethos. I strive for nothing less than excellence, streamlining workflows and ensuring that our projects not only meet but exceed our high-quality benchmarks. This commitment extends beyond borders, having built and led international teams, all united by a shared vision of delivering cutting-edge solutions and driving the future of robotics. If you\'re passionate about transformative leadership, innovative testing strategies, and making a tangible impact in the world of technology, let\'s connect! Together, we can explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of engineering excellence. 🤝m••••••••@gmail.com

Experience

1. Senior Engineering Project Manager

   Symbotic

   Apr 2024 — Present · Wilmington, MA, US

   Provide strategic leadership and program oversight for all projects executed within the Innovation Test Center (ITC) and across the New Product Introduction (NPI) pipeline.Manage the full lifecycle of innovation programs—from early concept definition and proof-of-concept (POC) development through system validation and executive review.Develop project scopes, charters, and initiation packages outlining objectives, requirements, budgets, and timelines for leadership approval.Oversee the ITC project roadmap, coordinating project transitions, capacity planning, and interdependencies across multiple concurrent initiatives.Partner with engineering, design, procurement, and installation teams to ensure efficient, on-schedule delivery of complex test builds and validation efforts.Lead cross-functional coordination to align new product concepts with available test center resources, ensuring smooth handoff from design through execution.Prepare and present initiation packages and status updates to executive leadership, incorporating feedback to refine scope, risk, and ROI assumptions.Establish repeatable processes and governance frameworks for new product intake, readiness review, and ITC project execution.Direct site readiness and logistics to ensure test environments, equipment, and staffing align with upcoming development and POC needs.Provide executive visibility into innovation progress, project performance, and ITC utilization to support portfolio planning and strategic decision-making.

Education

• Wentworth Institute of Technology

  Electromechanical Engineering, Engineering

  1995 — 2002