Senior Technical Program Manager - Automation Platform at brightmachines

brightmachines

San Francisco, California·1w ago

SeniorFull-timeAIML

Salary Range

$93,925 - $127,075 /year

Estimated

This salary is estimated based on similar roles. The actual salary may vary.

About the Role

We are looking for a Technical Program Manager to join Bright Machines, a next-generation AI-enabled manufacturer focused on data center infrastructure assembly operations. This role will lead the development of core robotics and hardware capabilities within our manufacturing platform, bringing AI-enabled, software-defined automation to data center infrastructure manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

→Own the full program lifecycle for Bright Machines’ next-generation manufacturing platform, from concept and design through validation, release, and customer deployment.
→Partner closely with hardware, systems, and software teams to deliver scalable, production-ready automation systems.
→Lead cross-functional planning for major platform features and hardware releases, defining scope, timelines, milestones, cost targets, and system requirements.
→Drive disciplined hardware development processes, including requirements definition, architecture and design reviews, prototype builds, validation planning, and system-level testing.
→Provide clear updates to leadership on program health, risks, budget, and schedule, highlighting trade-offs and driving decisions quickly.
→Deliver milestones on time and within budget, escalating issues early and removing blockers to keep momentum strong.
→Help build scalable program management processes that improve predictability, quality, and cross-team alignment as the platform grows.

Requirements

✓BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
✓7+ years leading complex hardware programs in robotics, automation, industrial systems, or electromechanical product development.
✓Experience taking hardware platforms from early architecture through NPI, validation, and production ramp.
✓Strong systems-level knowledge of mechanical design, motion systems, industrial robotics, automation cells, electrical systems, controls hardware, manufacturing readiness, supply chain constraints, and safety and compliance in industrial environments.
✓Proven ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
✓Experience working with executive stakeholders and managing customer-facing hardware programs with tight timelines and high reliability standards.
✓Able to clearly communicate complex technical trade-offs to both engineers and executives.
✓Track record of delivering reliable physical products into production environments.
✓Open to domestic and international travel as needed (up to 25%, primarily in later program stages).