Lead TPM: Cross-Functional AI Hardware & Ops

Scale AI, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,800 - 226,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, dental, vision

Retirement benefits

Learning & development stipend

Generous PTO

Commuter stipend

Job summary

Scale AI, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Technical Program Manager to join the Physical AI team as the first TPM bridging Engineering and Operations.

You will drive cross-functional alignment from design through large-scale production and own the lifecycle of complex programs. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in TPM/PM/lead engineering roles, a Bachelor's in Engineering/Robotics/CS, and a strong ability to translate technical constraints into operational plans while thriving in ambiguity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a TPM, Product Manager, or Lead Engineer managing complex, deeply technical programs.
• Demonstrated success managing programs spanning engineering/R&D and operational environments.
• Exceptional ability to navigate ambiguity, build structure, and influence senior stakeholders without formal authority.
• Strong technical literacy enabling participation in architecture reviews and evaluating trade-offs.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional alignment between Engineering, Operations, Solutions, Product, GTM, and other stakeholders with clear milestones and ownership.
• Own end-to-end program lifecycle: scope, schedules, dependencies, risk mitigation, and on-time delivery.
• Create and maintain a single source of truth for program status; produce executive updates and documentation.
• Navigate ambiguity and proactively chart paths, making decisions with incomplete data and building structure where needed.
• Operate hands-on—manage hardware release schedules, run sprint planning, and audit data to resolve critical issues.
• Design scalable frameworks and communication cadences to optimize Eng and Ops collaboration.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program lifecycle management

Communication & visibility

Navigating ambiguity

Tactical execution

Process establishment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science

Job description

Scale AI, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Technical Program Manager to join the Physical AI team as the first TPM bridging Engineering and Operations.

You will drive cross-functional alignment from design through large-scale production and own the lifecycle of complex programs. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in TPM/PM/lead engineering roles, a Bachelor's in Engineering/Robotics/CS, and a strong ability to translate technical constraints into operational plans while thriving in ambiguity.