Technical Program Manager at ART Lab
cox-exponential · San Mateo, USA ·
- Category
- Project management
- Experience
- 5+ years
Drives ART Lab's flagship AI robotics hardware product end to end — from concept builds and EVT/DVT phase gates to a small in-house production launch — owning build planning, supplier qualification, and commercial negotiation. Requires hardware NPI program management experience; on-site in the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Us
ART Lab (AI Robot Technology) is building novel and unexpected endpoints for AI in everyday spaces. We believe that in the AI revolution, we won’t only be accessing intelligence through glass screens on our desks and in our pockets. ART Lab has invented a new type of AI model called VLIs (vision-language-interaction models) that can be used to power human-robot interactions across a range of robots. The team has backgrounds at Amazon (robotics), Apple, Logitech, Google (AI and robotics) and Humans since 1982. The company is advised by leaders from Stanford, LEGO, Nike, and Google.
The Role
We’re looking for a Technical Program Manager to drive our flagship product from early concept builds through architecture prototypes and into production. You’ll own the program end to end: setting up phase gates, running builds, making sure our designs can actually be sourced and built, and negotiating with the suppliers and partners who make it all happen.
This is not a typical TPM role at a large hardware company. Our biggest challenges come early. We’re developing concept and architecture together, so the most important decisions get made in the proto and EVT builds, not in production ramp. At launch, we’ll run a small, focused production with assembly and test done in-house, and you’ll help stand that up. You’ll work closely with our electrical, mechanical, industrial design, platform, robotics, and AI teams, and with leadership on commercial decisions.
We’re open to candidates from Engineering Program Management (EPM), Technical Program Management (TPM), Operations Program Management (OPM), or Global Supply Management (GSM) backgrounds. What matters is that you’ve driven phase gates on NPI programs for design-led technical products.
What You’ll Do
- Concept-to-xVT Execution: Drive the program from concept builds through architecture prototypes and into EVT and DVT. Define phase gates, set what each build has to prove, and make sure decisions get made on time.
- Build Leadership: Plan and run prototype and EVT/DVT builds, covering build plans, BOM readiness, part procurement, build-issue tracking, and failure analysis follow-through.
- Supplier Management and Commercial Negotiation: Find and qualify suppliers and manufacturing partners. Negotiate pricing, lead times, MOQs, and terms that fit a low-volume, fast-moving program.
- Design for Sourcing and Build: Work with engineering and industrial design early so that design-led choices can actually be sourced, built, and tested, without watering down the product.
- In-House Assembly and Test: Help set up our own production capability: assembly processes, test stations and procedures, quality checks, and parts flow.
- Risk and Trade-off Management: Spot technical, schedule, cost, and supply risks early. Frame trade-offs clearly for leadership and drive them to resolution.
- Program Communication: Keep the team and leadership informed with clear, honest status: what’s on track, what isn’t, and what we’re doing about it.
Who You Are
Required:
- 5+ years in EPM, TPM, OPM, GSM, or a similar role on hardware NPI programs
- Track record of driving phase gates from early prototypes through xVT on at least one shipped product
- Experience on design-first technical products, where industrial design, mechanical engineering, and electronics all have to come together
- Hands-on supplier management, including commercial negotiation (pricing, terms, lead times)
- Technical enough to engage deeply with engineers across disciplines and earn their trust
- Self-directed and comfortable with ambiguity. You can bring just enough structure to an early-stage team without slowing it down.
- Based in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area
Preferred:
- Shipped an electronics, robotics, or other design-led hardware product
- Experience with low-volume or pilot production, especially setting up in-house assembly and test
- Engineering degree or prior experience as an engineer
- Experience with programs that combine hardware with embedded software and AI/ML
- Existing network of suppliers and manufacturing partners
- Comfortable traveling to suppliers and partners as needed
This Role Might Not Be For You If:
- You’re most at home managing high-volume production ramps and mature ERP or MRP systems
- You prefer managing process over getting into the technical and commercial details
- You need a fully defined product and established supplier base before you can get started
- You’re looking for a remote-only position