Senior/Staff TPM - Hardware
About The Position
At Rhoda AI, the Senior/Staff TPM for Hardware owns cross-functional execution of robot hardware programs, from system integration through EVT/DVT validation, low-volume builds, and early customer deployment. The role works across mechanical, electronics, firmware, controls, AI, and manufacturing, driving each hardware generation from integration to build-ready and scaling toward the next. This is a deeply technical leadership role requiring substantive engagement with engineering teams, understanding design tradeoffs, surfacing risks early, and maintaining high standards for engineering quality, decision velocity, and schedule integrity. The role owns the hardware integrated master schedule, coordinates system integration and validation, supports NPI and manufacturing readiness, and aligns certification workstreams for target deployment markets.
Requirements
- At least 8 years of experience in hardware program management in robotics, EV, aerospace, or complex electromechanical systems.
- Demonstrated ownership of EVT/DVT/PVT cycles.
- Strong understanding of actuator architectures, embedded systems integration, safety-rated motion control, and multi-axis robotic systems.
- Experience managing contract manufacturers through NPI and low-volume ramp.
- Proven ability to operate in low-structure startup environments.
- Ability to synthesize technical risk into executive-level clarity.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with humanoid or high-DoF robotic systems.
- Familiarity with EtherCAT-based distributed architectures.
- Familiarity with SIL2/SIL3 functional safety concepts.
- Experience with real-time systems.
- Experience scaling hardware from prototype to mid-volume production.
Responsibilities
- Own the hardware integrated master schedule and drive EVT-to-DVT gate readiness.
- Coordinate system integration milestones and align hardware freeze dates with AI and controls needs.
- Track long-lead items and tooling readiness across subsystems.
- Align actuator development and coordinate torque sensor validation and calibration plans.
- Ensure EtherCAT network readiness and manage edge inference platform integration.
- Align camera and sensor selection and validation; track safety architecture validation, including ISO 13849 and IEC 61508 considerations.
- Coordinate DFM workshops with shortlisted contract manufacturers.
- Manage EVT/DVT builds with a low-volume NPI partner and drive ECO cadence.
- Track tooling, fixtures, and test infrastructure readiness; ensure supply chain risk mitigation and dual sourcing where applicable.
- Maintain an active risk register with RPN-based prioritization and escalate critical blockers with low decision latency.
- Structure cross-functional resolution sessions and drive root-cause closure with clear accountability.
- Run weekly cross-functional execution reviews across mechanical, electronics, firmware, controls, and supply chain.
- Define clear entry and exit criteria for EVT and DVT.
- Coordinate test infrastructure needs, including actuator rigs, dyno requirements, and endurance testing.
- Align CE, UL, and regional certification workstreams for target deployment markets.
- Drive readiness for low-volume build targets.
Benefits
- Direct access to executive leadership.
- A clear path to program leadership as the hardware roadmap scales.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
