Technical Program Manager, Robotics & Autonomy

FieldAI • Irvine, CA

3d • $120,000 - $155,000 • Onsite

About The Position

FieldAI is seeking a technically strong Technical Program Manager to lead complex, customer-focused robotics and autonomy programs from inception through deployment and ongoing operations. The role owns technical execution across autonomy software, systems, hardware, data, and operations, translating customer requirements into plans, milestones, and timelines while coordinating engineering, product, operations, technical support, and customer success teams. The position oversees operational readiness and field deployments, manages risks and dependencies, and communicates progress and mitigation plans to customers and internal stakeholders. It includes supporting on-site customer engagements and deployments, with up to 30% travel.

The role is based with FieldAI’s Irvine team, which develops and tests AI systems on real hardware and sensors for field deployment in unstructured environments. The company describes its work as focused on reliable, explainable, and safe real-world autonomy. The stated annual salary range is $120,000–$155,000, with final base pay dependent on role scope and job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine market.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2–4 years of experience leading complex technical programs in a fast-paced technology environment.
• Strong technical background in software, systems, or hardware engineering.
• Hands-on understanding of autonomy or self-driving software systems.
• Experience delivering projects involving robotics, embedded systems, or real-time platforms.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive execution without direct authority.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycles (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex technical topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple customer programs simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mobile robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, or embedded systems.
• Background in data delivery, data capture, security, or system-level integration.
• Experience working closely with field operations or customer deployments in production environments.
• PMP, Scrum Master, or Agile certification.
• Experience in a startup or high-growth company, with a strong bias for ownership and execution.
• Comfort acting as a trusted technical partner to customers in high-stakes, real-world deployments.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale, customer-focused robotics and autonomy programs from planning through deployment and operational handoff.
• Act as technical project lead for customer engagements, owning execution across autonomy software, systems, hardware, data, and operations.
• Translate customer requirements into technical plans, milestones, and delivery timelines.
• Drive cross-functional execution with engineering, product, operations, technical support, and customer success teams.
• Oversee operational readiness and field deployments; surface operational issues and ensure appropriate technical owners address them.
• Proactively manage project risks, dependencies, and tradeoffs to support successful customer outcomes.
• Clearly communicate project status, challenges, and mitigation plans to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Support on-site customer engagements and deployments, with up to 30% travel.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level