Technical Program Manager - Hardware Systems; Irvine

Role Overview

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to support the planning, execution, and delivery of hardware programs across our robotics platforms. The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically sound, and eager to operate at the intersection of engineering, operations, and product development. The TPM will work closely with cross‑functional teams to track progress, manage schedules, identify risks, and ensure alignment across hardware, software, and operations.

• Program Planning & Execution
  • Support program timelines, milestones, and deliverables across hardware development efforts.
  • Track progress against plans, identify gaps, and help drive teams toward execution.
  • Assist in building and maintaining program schedules and development roadmaps.
• Cross‑Functional Coordination
  • Coordinate efforts within hardware across electrical, mechanical, and embedded systems to ensure alignment.
  • Organize design reviews (PDR/CDR) to keep teams on track.
  • Ensure strategic alignment across engineering, field ops, product, and business teams.
  • Facilitate meetings, track action items, and ensure follow‑through.
  • Resolve blockers by connecting stakeholders and driving decisions.
• Risk & Issue Management
  • Identify program risks and expedite escalation with clear communication.
  • Maintain risk trackers and support mitigation planning with engineering teams.
  • Ensure transparency around program status and challenges.
• Communication & Reporting
  • Prepare clear, concise updates on program status, risks, and key decisions.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.
  • Support executive‑level reporting with structured, data‑driven insights.
• Operations & Build Support
  • Coordinate prototype builds and development cycles by scheduling and resource alignment.
  • Track component readiness, build progress, and issue resolution.
  • Develop and maintain a resilient supply chain by evaluating vendors and coordinating with suppliers and contract manufacturers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 1–6 years of experience in program management, engineering, operations, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience tracking project activities and deliverables, including KPIs and tools such as Jira.
• Experience facilitating alignment between cross‑functional teams internally and externally.
• Basic technical understanding of hardware systems or engineering workflows.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.

• Experience working on hardware or robotics programs.
• Familiarity with product development life cycles or NPI processes.
• Experience driving alignment for validation/qualification requirements for prototype development or changes to existing products.
• Experience in scaling hardware systems from prototype to production.
• MS technical degree or PMP certification.

Salary range: $70,000 – $300,000 per year, based on relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and qualifications. The compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time off.

Full benefits package, equity, and generous paid time off.

Field AI celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or other protected characteristics is prohibited.