Technical Program Manager at rivr

Amazon RIVR is a robotics company pioneering Physical AI through real-world doorstep delivery. Founded in 2024 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, RIVR developed wheeled-legged robots designed to operate in complex, unstructured environments such as stairs, gates, doors, and uneven urban terrain. We believe that achieving general physical intelligence requires solving real customer problems in the real world, where robots can learn from rich operational data at scale. Following our acquisition by Amazon in March 2026, we are continuing this mission with greater reach and speed. By combining custom robot hardware, onboard autonomy, and cloud-based coordination, Amazon RIVR is building the next generation of safe, reliable autonomous robots for last-mile delivery Job Description We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to serve as the operational architect for our hardware and safety-critical systems. This role is designed for a leader who thrives on complexity and can bridge the gap between ambitious product goals and the rigorous realities of physical engineering. You will be responsible for driving products through a disciplined stage-gate lifecycle, ensuring that hardware builds are synchronized with Agile software releases. As a key partner to Product Management and a trusted advisor to executive leadership (VPs/SVPs), you will manage the balance of scope, resource constraints, and safety requirements to deliver world-class autonomous systems. What you’ll be doing • Partner closely with Product Management to translate high-level Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) into actionable technical milestones. You will facilitate the "negotiation" phase evaluating technical feasibility and schedule impact to ensure the product vision is achievable. • Lead the program through a formal stage-gate execution framework (e.g., Concept, Feasibility, Development, Validation, and Launch). You will own the exit criteria for each gate, ensuring hardware maturity and safety benchmarks are met before moving to the next phase. • Act as the "synchronization layer" between long-lead hardware development and fast-paced, iterative software sprints. You will ensure that firmware, perception, and planning teams have stable hardware platforms and clear interface definitions to maintain their velocity. • Provide insightful reports to high level managers. You will distill complex technical roadblocks into concise, data-driven executive summaries, focusing on program health, strategic risks, and milestone confidence. • Proactively map and manage cross-functional dependencies. You will maintain a rigorous risk register that identifies "single points of failure" in the schedule, ranging from technical design hurdles to critical-path vendor dependencies. • You will develop formal proposals for leadership that outline Option A vs. Option B, including the impact on cost, safety, performance, and time-to-market. • Keep a pulse on the "engine room." You will identify and report on resource constraints (headcount, lab space, or equipment), providing the business case for adjustments to ensure the team can meet its commitments. • Ensure that safety systems are developed as a core feature. You will coordinate the execution of safety validation plans to ensure the final product meets internal and regulatory reliability standards without slowing down the development engine. What you must have • Bachelor’s degree in Hardware Engineering (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.) • 5+ years of experience in Technical Program Management (TPM) or Project Management, specifically managing integrated hardware/software systems in a fast-paced environment (e.g., Robotics, Automotive, Aerospace). • Proven success driving products through a stage-gate process, with a deep understanding of how to manage hardware milestones alongside Agile software workflows. • Exceptional communication skills with a track record of influencing high-level stakeholders through structured reporting and effective communication. • Demonstrated experience working with Product Managers to define scope, manage "feature creep," and align technical roadmaps with business objectives. • Ability to take a "systems view" of problems, proposing clear options and trade-offs when navigating resource constraints or technical blockers. • Advanced skills in Jira, Confluence, and roadmap visualization tools Get some bonus points • Experience navigating the certification processes for physical products such as UL, CE, FCC, or industry-specific functional safety certifications. • Professional certification in project or program management (e.g., PMP, or Certified Scrum Master (CSM)). • Direct experience managing the development of complex mechatronic systems, robotics, or autonomous hardware where precision and reliability are paramount. Amazon RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you’re passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.   We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.