Technical Program Manager, Optical Module Hardware

Meta•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

At Meta Reality Labs, we’re developing the future of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) and looking for a Technical Program Manager with proven experience delivery state-of-the-art Optical Components and Modules to join the Display and Optics Team. You’ll be a critical member of the team, identifying long term trends, driving the design process, removing barriers to enable your team’s success, communicating progress to all stakeholders and ensuring the big picture stays in focus while delving into the details on specific technical issues. Ideal team members are adaptable and resilient, eager to tackle unfamiliar situations with curiosity and tenacity, while able to inspire and influence team members at different levels of experience. Display and Optics TPMs must excel in many areas including communication, organization, strategic planning and technical understanding which will lead to providing customers with the best user-experience in the industry for AR/VR products.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Optics, Physics, Materials science or a similar field
6+ years as a technical program manager (or related role)
Experience with program management methodologies like Agile, Phase-gate approach and tools like Smartsheets, Gantt charts
Experience leading and partnering with vendors and contract manufacturers
Demonstrated experience in cross functional communication, authoring and presenting documents, synthesizing information into the most salient points to move a team / initiative forward

Nice To Haves

Experience in optical combiners/components/coatings, ophthalmic lenses, and optical metrology
Experience operating in medical devices or other highly regulated industries
Experience in navigating environmental and language differences when working with Asia-based vendors to enhance collaboration and communication

Responsibilities

Lead the development of optical components and module assemblies for AR displays and Smart glasses, focusing on specification, design, manufacturing, testing, process optimization, and integration
Manage projects with suppliers and partners, from creating statements of work to driving final deliverables in collaboration with Ops, Business Development, Legal, and Procurement
Evaluate suppliers’ capabilities to meet product requirements, partner with the ops team to establish a robust and scalable supply chain strategy
Operate at different levels of abstraction, from high-level strategic planning (System architecture, technology selection, organizational structure, commercial partnerships) to tactical project management (prioritization, schedule creation, milestone definition and execution, and deliverables management)
Breakdown the complexity of highly technical programs to enable a clear understanding of scope and deliverables to a wider audience of team members and support functions
Proactively identify technical, legal, procedural, logistical, and communication issues and drive creative solutions to address them and manage risk
Identify resources needed and work closely with team leaders to maintain full visibility of the project schedule and potential roadblocks
Act as the main channel of communication for key formal discussions and decisions that involve technical team leader, support functions (Legal, Business Development, and Procurement) external partners, and other members of the organization
Expect to travel domestically and internationally, 4-6 times a year, primarily for supplier visits and build support