Bright Machines · 7 hours ago
Senior Technical Program Manager - Automation Platform
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expBright Machines is a next-generation, AI-enabled manufacturer focused on data center infrastructure assembly operations. As a Senior Technical Program Manager, you will lead the development of core robotics and hardware capabilities within the manufacturing platform, driving complex electromechanical systems and ensuring alignment across teams for successful program execution.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)ElectronicsSoftwareRoboticsInformation TechnologyComputerMachine Learning
Responsibilities
Own the full program lifecycle for Bright Machines’ next-generation manufacturing platform—from 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
Qualification
Required
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)
Preferred
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 Area–level velocity environments with aggressive milestones and world-class engineering talent
Company
Bright Machines
Bright Machines brings together flexible factory robots with intelligent software, production data and machine learning.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Bright Machines has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (7)
2024 (7)
2023 (10)
2022 (5)
2021 (1)
2020 (3)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$437MKey Investors
BlackRockJP Morgan ChaseHercules Capital,SVB Financial Group
2024-06-25Series C· $106M
2024-06-25Debt Financing· $20M
2022-10-30Debt Financing· $32M
Leadership Team
Paolo Avagliano
Chief Executive Officer
Recent News
2025-08-03
2025-05-17
Company data provided by crunchbase