Technical Program Manager, Robotics & Autonomy

FieldAI ’s Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California’s robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.

About the job

We are seeking a highly motivated Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead large-scale, customer-focused robotics and autonomy programs from inception through deployment and ongoing operations. This role is designed for a technically strong program leader who can own complex delivery efforts for real customers operating in real environments.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical understanding, strong execution skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally across engineering, operations, and customer-facing teams to deliver high-quality autonomy-driven solutions.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Lead large-scale, customer-focused robotics and autonomy programs from planning through deployment and operational handoff.
• Act as the technical project lead for customer engagements, owning execution across autonomy software, systems, hardware, data, and operations.
• Translate customer requirements into clear 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 they are addressed by the appropriate technical owners.
• Proactively manage project risks, dependencies, and tradeoffs to ensure successful customer outcomes.
• Communicate project status, challenges, and mitigation plans clearly to internal stakeholders and customers.
• Support on-site customer engagements and deployments (up to 30% travel).

What You Have

• 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 (minimum requirement).Experience delivering projects involving robotics, embedded systems, or real-time platforms.
• Proven 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, with the ability to explain complex technical topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple customer programs simultaneously.

The Extras That Set You Apart

• 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

Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual’s background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market. Why Join FieldAI in Irvine? In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics’ hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models™ raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real-world use. You will collaborate with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments. Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world. Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field-ready autonomy looks like. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.