1. What is a Project Manager at Celestial AI?

At Celestial AI, the role of a Project Manager—specifically designated as a Technical Program Manager (TPM)—is central to our mission of revolutionizing data center infrastructure. We are moving beyond traditional System-on-Chip (SoC) limitations to create "systems of chips" through our proprietary Photonic Fabric™ technology. This role is not merely administrative; it is the strategic engine that drives complex hardware programs from IP conception to full platform delivery.

You will sit at the intersection of advanced innovation and rigorous execution. As we scale our optical interconnect technology to deliver tenfold performance increases for AI accelerators and GPUs, your job is to align cross-functional engineering teams, operations, and tier-1 customer partnerships. You are responsible for ensuring that our groundbreaking hardware solutions—ranging from optical interface chiplets to multi-chip interconnect bridges—are delivered on time, within scope, and with the quality required by hyperscalers.

This position offers a unique opportunity to define how large-scale hardware programs are run in a high-growth startup environment. You will not only manage schedules but also help build the "playbook" for how Celestial AI operates. You will interface directly with silicon, hardware, and software teams, ensuring that our optical interconnects seamlessly integrate into the next generation of high-performance computing architectures.

2. Common Interview Questions

3. Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for Celestial AI requires a shift in mindset. You are not just being evaluated on your ability to track tasks; you are being evaluated on your ability to bring structure to complex, ambiguous hardware development cycles. Expect a deep focus on your operational toolkit and your understanding of the semiconductor lifecycle.

Role-Related Knowledge (Semiconductor Lifecycle) – You must demonstrate a deep understanding of the end-to-end hardware development process, from digital/analog IP design to SoC integration, packaging, and platform validation. Interviewers will expect you to speak the language of silicon engineering and understand the dependencies inherent in tape-outs and hardware bring-up.

Operational Rigor & Methodology – Celestial AI is in a phase of rapid scaling and process definition. We evaluate candidates on their mastery of program management tools, workflows, and methodologies. You will likely be asked detailed questions about how you structure programs, the specific tools you use to track dependencies, and how you implement cross-functional workflows in large organizations.

Strategic Stakeholder Management – Because this role involves direct interaction with tier-1 customers and strategic partners, we assess your ability to manage external expectations, handle escalations, and present technical updates to executive leadership. You need to show that you can be the "face" of the program to our most critical clients.

Problem Solving & Risk Mitigation – In hardware development, mistakes are costly and time-consuming. We look for candidates who proactively identify risks before they become issues. You should be ready to discuss how you have managed supply chain constraints, technical blockers, or design changes in previous roles.

4. Interview Process Overview

The interview process at Celestial AI is rigorous and practical. Unlike standard behavioral interviews, our sessions often feel like "working meetings." Because we are an early-stage company rapidly building our internal infrastructure, interviewers are keenly interested in your past experiences with established workflows at major tech or semiconductor companies.

You should expect an initial screening followed by a series of deep-dive interviews with key stakeholders, including engineering leads and product executives. The conversation will likely pivot quickly from high-level summaries to granular details about your day-to-day execution. Candidates often report that interviewers dig deep into the "how" and "what"—asking about specific software tools, dashboard structures, and communication protocols you have implemented.

The goal is to assess not just if you have managed projects, but if you possess the blueprint for operational excellence that Celestial AI needs to adopt. Be prepared for a dynamic exchange where you are expected to act as a subject matter expert on program management methodology.

The timeline above illustrates the typical flow from application to final decision. Use the time between the technical screens and the onsite/final rounds to review your portfolio of past projects. Be ready to whiteboard workflows or verbally walk through a complex program schedule step-by-step.

5. Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

To succeed, you must be prepared to discuss the following core areas in depth. We focus heavily on your ability to execute in a hardware-centric environment.

Program Lifecycle Management (The "Playbook")

This is a critical evaluation area. Interviewers want to understand the mechanics of how you run a program. They are looking for evidence that you can implement rigorous processes in a startup environment.

Be ready to go over:

• Tooling and Infrastructure – The specific software (Jira, MS Project, Smartsheet, custom dashboards) you use and how you configure them for hardware tracking.
• Process Definition – How you set up a program from scratch, including defining milestones, gates, and entry/exit criteria.
• Reporting Cadence – How you structure status reports for engineering teams vs. executive leadership.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk us through the exact dashboard you used to track SoC validation progress in your last role."
• "How do you structure your cross-functional syncs? Who attends, and what is the standing agenda?"
• "If we asked you to build a program tracking system from scratch tomorrow, what tools would you select and why?"

Technical Acumen (Semiconductor & Hardware)

You do not need to be a chip designer, but you must understand the flow of silicon development.

Be ready to go over:

• Integration Dependencies – Managing the interplay between IP design, silicon fabrication, packaging (2.5D/3D), and software stack integration.
• Validation Cycles – Understanding post-silicon validation, EVT/DVT/PVT stages, and hardware debugging timelines.
• Supply Chain & Operations – Coordinating with external vendors for assembly and testing.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a time you managed a tape-out that was at risk of delay. What levers did you pull to recover the schedule?"
• "How do you manage dependencies between the hardware team and the software/firmware teams?"
• "What is your approach to managing risk in a complex 2.5D packaging project?"

Customer & Stakeholder Interface

As a TPM, you are often the bridge between internal engineering and external customers.

Be ready to go over:

• Tier-1 Engagement – Managing expectations for large hyperscalers or strategic partners.
• Escalation Management – How you handle bad news (delays, bugs) and communicate it to customers without damaging the relationship.
• Alignment – Ensuring internal engineering goals match external customer deliverables.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "A key customer requests a feature change late in the design cycle. How do you handle this internally and externally?"
• "Tell me about a time you had to deliver a difficult status update to a VP or C-level executive."