Senior Manager - Hardware Returns & Failure Analysis

About Halter

Halter is building technology that helps farmers and graziers run more productive and sustainable operations. The platform replaces many of the time-heavy parts of conventional farming and is helping reshape grazing practices around the world. The company is supported by leading investors and is focused on creating meaningful, high-impact work for its team.

About the Role

This position sits within the Reliability & Failure Analysis function and is focused on improving how failed hardware is diagnosed and understood. The work covers devices returned from the field as well as failures discovered in lab testing. Because Halter collars are expected to last 6 to 10 years, are not serviced, and cannot be repaired, the ability to identify every failure and prevent recurrence is critical.

You will lead the effort to build and strengthen a team that investigates failed hardware, including collars and tower components, and determines the true root cause. The role combines technical depth with operational ownership and plays a central part in connecting field performance, lab findings, and engineering action. It is also an important growth-enabling role for the business globally.

Based in the Auckland office, this role is expected to help raise the capability, accuracy, and speed of the failure analysis operation while improving the in-house technical depth and lab setup.

What You’ll Do

• Take full ownership of the returns workflow from intake through safe handling, triage, diagnostics, storage, and traceability, while defining clear goals for turnaround time, volume, and root-cause precision.
• Continuously refine diagnostic methods to improve correctness and reduce cases where no fault is identified.
• Work directly on the most complex, high-value, or unclear failure scenarios and stay closely involved with the product.
• Lead the development of the failure analysis lab by creating a roadmap to add capabilities internally, including X-ray/CT, cross-sectioning, SEM, and similar tools.
• Partner with hardware, firmware, production, supplier quality, and networking teams to share patterns, findings, and specific failure insights.
• Build and grow a strong team with disciplined processes, strong technical depth, and a persistent curiosity to solve problems.
• Coach team members, strengthen their capability over time, and set clear expectations for performance and quality.

What You’ll Bring

• Extensive electronics engineering experience and practical exposure to diagnosing complex hardware issues.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Strong communication ability and the skill to turn technical analysis into clear, useful feedback for other functions.
• A principled, evidence-based approach and a strong drive to get to the true root cause.
• A strong ownership mindset and the willingness to step in and tackle broader challenges when needed.
• Low-ego, collaborative working style and a team-first attitude.

Benefits

• Access to snacks and drinks during the workday.
• Health coverage through Southern Cross Health Insurance.
• 6 months of fully paid parental leave for primary caregivers and 4 weeks of fully paid secondary caregiver leave, plus additional family support benefits.
• An annual $1,000 self-development allowance to support personal growth.
• Wellness leave and unlimited paid annual leave.
• A remuneration package that includes salary, benefits, and an employee stock ownership plan.

Work Style

Halter follows an office-first approach. In-person work is the default, although flexibility is available when needed. The company believes close collaboration, strong relationships, and day-to-day connection are essential to learning, feedback, alignment, and high performance. The culture is designed for people who value energy, problem-solving together, and ongoing growth.

Applications and Inclusion

Halter encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates and values an inclusive workplace where people can do their best work. If you feel you are a strong fit even if you do not meet every requirement listed, you are encouraged to apply with a cover letter and CV.

Why People Enjoy Working Here

• The work has a real-world impact and helps farmers improve both livelihoods and sustainability.
• The team is made up of talented, kind, and driven people who enjoy solving difficult problems together.
• The role offers autonomy, learning, and continuous skill development, supported by the personal growth budget.
• The environment is fast-moving and ambitious, with the chance to contribute to a company that is changing an entire industry.