Senior Technical Program Manager - Automation Platform

Bright Machines•San Francisco, CA

20h

About The Position

As a Senior Technical Program Manager, you will lead the development of core robotics and hardware capabilities within Bright Machinesâ next-generation manufacturing platform, bringing AI-enabled, software-defined automation to data center infrastructure manufacturing. You will drive the development of complex electromechanical systems that integrate robotics, perception, controls, and ML into scalable, production-ready platforms. Operating at the system level, youâll align hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to accelerate time from silicon to revenue, delivering faster ramps, higher yield, and more predictable performance in real-world production environments. This role sits at the intersection of robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing, defining how intelligent infrastructure is built and scaled.

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 and motion systems, Industrial robotics and automation cells, Electrical systems and controls hardware, Manufacturing readiness and 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).

Nice To Haves

Experience building modular or platform-based automation systems.
Background in scaling hardware programs in high-growth robotics or manufacturing technology companies.
Experience with contract manufacturers and global supply chains.
Hands-on familiarity with system integration labs, pilot builds, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
Experience operating in Bay Areaâlevel velocity environments with aggressive milestones and world-class engineering talent.

Responsibilities

Own the full program lifecycle for Bright Machinesâ next-generation manufacturing platformâfrom concept and design through validation, release, and customer deployment.
Partner closely with hardware (mechanical, electrical, robotics, motion, safety), systems, and software teams to deliver scalable, production-ready automation systems.
Lead cross-functional planning for major platform features and hardware releases. Define scope, timelines, milestones, cost targets, and system requirements.
Bring clarity to system architecture, integration, and validation plans.
Think at the system level. Identify dependencies across mechanical design, controls, embedded systems, robotics, and manufacturing. Ensure hardware, firmware, and software are aligned and validated early.
Drive disciplined hardware development processes, including requirements definition and traceability, architecture and design reviews, prototype builds, validation planning, and system-level testing.
Provide clear updates to leadership on program health, risks, budget, and schedule. Highlight trade-offs and drive decisions quickly.
Deliver milestones on time and within budget. Escalate issues early and remove blockers to keep momentum strong.
Help build scalable program management processes that improve predictability, quality, and cross-team alignment as the platform grows.
Bring structure and urgency without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Travel: Up to 25%, primarily during late-stage builds, supplier work, and customer validation.