Technical Program Manager - Robotics

About this role:

Pickle is on the hunt for a dynamic and driven Technical Program Manager (TPM) – Robotics to drive the planning, execution, and delivery of innovative robotics solutions. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, program management skills, and cross-functional leadership to ensure the successful development of robotic hardware and software systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware development, hardware/software integration, PLM systems, and expertise in both Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies.

What You’ll Accomplish:

• Drive schedules for critical hardware programs, ensuring timely delivery of key milestones.
• Enable core engineers to focus on critical development and fixes by optimizing workflows and reducing operational bottlenecks.
• Lead end-to-end program management for robotic hardware development, ensuring on-time and high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate with engineering, product management, technology development, and operations teams to define project requirements, technical milestones, and success metrics.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and risk management strategies for the full lifecycle of robotics development.
• Drive cross-functional coordination and communication to resolve technical challenges and align teams toward common objectives.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, providing clear project updates, reports, and risk mitigation plans.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and best practices in robotics development.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance program execution efficiency and scalability.
• Partner with supply chain, manufacturing, and deployment teams to ensure seamless integration and production of robotics solutions.
• Own and administer the Engineering Change Management (ECM) process, ensuring smooth BOM management and drawing release workflows

Who You Are:

• 5+ years of experience in technical program management, preferably in robotics, automation, or hardware product development.
• Strong knowledge of robotics systems, including sensors, actuators, embedded systems, and hardware/software integration.
• Experience in managing a PLM system to support engineering operations.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects from conception to deployment.
• Experience with Engineering Change Management (ECM), BOM management, and drawing release processes. (Familiarity with Arena is a plus.)Deep understanding of Waterfall, Phase-Gated, Agile, and Scrum project management methodologies. (Familiarity with Jira and Smartsheet is a plus.)Ability to identify technical trade-offs, prioritize critical tasks, and solve complex challenges in robotics development.
• Hardware & Software Integration: Understanding of robotic hardware development and embedded systems.
• Communication & Leadership: Ability to align engineering teams, executives, and external partners on project goals.
• Experience with robotics automation, industrial robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Background in supply chain, manufacturing, and production scaling for robotics hardware.
• Passionate about robotics and automation with a problem-solving mindset.
• Strong ability to lead in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Self-driven, highly organized, and excited to work in an R&D-heavy robotics environment.
• Willing and able to work from our offices in Cambridge and Charlestown at least three days per week.

About Pickle Robot

Pickle Robot is a pioneer in Physical AI for supply chain applications. Today Pickle robots autonomously unload trucks, trailers, and import containers at human-scale or better performance. The alternative is manual work that is difficult, dirty, sometimes dangerous, and increasingly hard to staff at distribution centers around the globe. Pickle Robot is laser focused on automating truck unloading using generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, advanced sensors, and industrial robotics to deliver engineered products customers rely on. Pickle Robot Unload Systems work alongside people on loading docks to make the work safer, faster, and more efficient. Pickle robots are physical AI that unload trucks.

Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive.