Technical Program Manager - Hardware Systems

Job Description

Job Description

Who are We?

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

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Hardware Team: The Hardware Team at Field AI develops perception and compute payloads that power autonomous robotics systems in complex real-world environments. We work across sensing systems, embedded compute, electrical systems, and mechanical integration, owning the full lifecycle from development through production and field deployment.

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.  You will work closely with cross-functional teams to track progress, manage schedules, identify risks, and ensure alignment across hardware, software, and operations. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

1. Program Planning & Execution

• Timeline Management: Support program timelines, milestones, and deliverables across hardware development efforts.

• Progress Tracking: Track progress against plans, identify gaps, and help drive teams toward execution.

• Roadmap Development: Assist in building and maintaining program schedules and development roadmaps.

 2. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Engineering Team Coordination: Coordinate efforts within the hardware across electrical, mechanical, and embedded systems to ensure alignment. Organize design reviews (PDR/CDR) to ensure teams stay on track. 

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensure strategic alignment across teams including engineering, field ops, product, and business.

• Meeting Facilitation: Facilitate meetings, track action items, and ensure follow-through across teams.

• Blocker Resolution: Resolve blockers by connecting the right stakeholders and driving decisions.

 3. Risk & Issue Management

• Risk Identification: Identify program risks and escalate issues early with clear communication.

• Mitigation Planning: Maintain risk trackers and support mitigation planning with engineering teams.

• Status Transparency: Help ensure transparency around program status and challenges.

4. Communication & Reporting

• Status Updates : Prepare clear, concise updates on program status, risks, and key decisions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate effectively with stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.

• Executive Reporting : Support executive-level reporting with structured, data-driven insights.

5. Operations & Build Support

• Build Coordination: Support prototype builds and development cycles by coordinating schedules and resources.

• Progress Monitoring: Assist with tracking component readiness, build progress, and issue resolution.

• Supply Chain: Develop and maintain a resilient supply chain by evaluating vendor options, coordinating with suppliers, and working with contract manufacturers.

What You Have

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

• Experience Level: 1–6 years of experience in program management, engineering, operations, or related roles.

• Tracking: Demonstrated experience tracking project activities and deliverables. Strong analytical capabilities, with experience tracking KPIs. Using tools such as Jira.

• Cross-Functional Communication/Alignment: Experience facilitating alignment between XF teams both internally and externally. 

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, ambiguous, and high‑growth startup environment.

• Technical Acumen: Basic technical understanding of hardware systems or engineering workflows.

What Will Set You Apart

• Robotics: Experience working on hardware or robotics programs.

• Hardware Lifecycle: Familiarity with product development lifecycles or NPI processes.

• Validation: Experience driving alignment for validation/qualification requirements for prototype development or changes to existing products.

• Strong Technical Acumen: Technical ability to engage with electrical, mechanical, sensing and compute teams and understand system-level trade-offs.

• Mass Production: Experience in scaling hardware systems from prototype to production.

• Credentials: MS technical degree, PMP certification

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time. 

Why Join Field AI?

We are solving one of the world’s most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.

You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.

Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution

To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision — innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We’re seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.

We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates. 

Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.