Edge & Physical AI SW Product Manager/Director

Job Responsibilities: Define and maintain the NPU software product roadmap spanning the full stack: AI/ML compiler pipeline, AI/ML tools for optimization (conversion, quantization, pruning), runtime and execution engine, SDK and developer APIs, model optimization, workflow and repository, and existing eIQ platform integration. Own and create a scalable platform/toolkit to support newer model architectures (CNNs, LLMs, ViTs, VLMs) and enable a path to Day 0 model support in the long run. Maintain familiarity with supported architectures and operators, align customer expectations with available model support, and work with Engineering to close identified gaps. Engage closely with GTM to help prioritize industry verticals, segments, and use cases to create an enablement strategy for all business units. Enable system-level solutions through pre-sales and sales strategy and support. Define an integrated compiler strategy and transition all NXP AI products to a unified AI workflow across business units.   Continuously monitor AI market developments and trends (compilers, operators, frameworks, models, microservices, skills, and agents) and build or refine NXP’s AI strategy. Drive the eIQ integration strategy—integrate the current- and next-generation Neutron compiler and SDK within NXP's eIQ developer environment and define NPU support for the existing MPU/MCU developer base. Create a cradle-to-grave plan for features and components during eIQ integration. Develop use-case-driven software enablement and help prioritize, reset, and reconcile existing features to deliver a holistic user experience. Own the upstream open-source compiler integration strategy—define NXP's participation and contribution roadmap for Apache TVM, MLIR/LLVM, ONNX Runtime, and PyTorch/TensorFlow export paths. Define and maintain the model zoo or an equivalent—curate, compile, quantize, and benchmark frontier models (LLaMA variants, YOLO generations, Whisper, Phi, Gemma, custom vision transformers) on Ara NPU and publish validated results. Own the developer experience end-to-end: SDK installation, model import workflow, compilation, profiling, debugging, and deployment—define and track developer adoption funnel metrics. Manage framework and ISV partner relationships—PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, ONNX Runtime, and key vertical AI software partners; drive NPU support contributions and co-marketing. Support external software integrations and licensing partnerships. Run beta and early-access programs with strategic developer customers; translate feedback into prioritized engineering requirements. Define software versioning policy, backward compatibility commitments, and long-term support (LTS) release strategy. Own competitive benchmarking of model coverage against Qualcomm AI Hub, DeepX, Axelera Metis SDK, and Arm NN/ExecuTorch while preserving software ease of use. Maintain a working knowledge of firmware and PCIe and USB drivers. undefined