Senior Program Manager

HCLTech; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

10 days of paid time off per year

Employee assistance program

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

A leading tech company in California is seeking an experienced leader to manage large-scale robotics operations and data collection. The role includes overseeing a team of 100, developing strategies, and ensuring process efficiency. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in robotics systems, project management, and effective communication skills. The position offers competitive compensation, full benefits, and opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of experience, with a minimum of 5 years in large-scale program management.
• PMP Certification preferred.
• Advanced English skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 100 resources in robotics data collection.
• Develop program strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Oversee daily operations and resource planning.
• Provide coaching and monitor performance of team members.
• Collaborate with engineering and client stakeholders.
• Drive process improvements for efficiency.

Skills

Robotics systems understanding

Project management tools expertise (e.g., JIRA, Asana)

Data annotation platform familiarity

AI/ML data pipelines knowledge

Reporting and analytics proficiency

Risk management skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SuperAnnotate

Roboflow

Job description

Sub-function: Robotics Operations & Data Collection

Years of Experience Required: 12–15 years (minimum 5 years in large-scale program management)

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field (Master’s preferred)

Ideal Candidate Profile

A curious and empathetic leader with experience managing large-scale teams in robotics data collection and automation, handling complex data annotation pipelines, and operating in fast-paced hi-tech environments. Skilled in stakeholder management across clients, delivery, and support teams, with the ability to develop processes, drive best practices, and build frameworks for operational excellence and transformation.

Technical Skills Required

• Strong understanding of robotics systems, teleoperations, and egocentric data collection workflows.
• Expertise in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana).
• Familiarity with data annotation platforms and robotics simulation environments (e.g., SuperAnnotate, Roboflow)
• Knowledge of AI/ML data pipelines and sensor data processing.
• Proficiency in reporting and analytics tools for operational metrics.
• Strong grasp of risk management, resource allocation, and budget planning.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred
• Understanding of OSHA standards for managing workplace safety
• English: Advanced (written and verbal)
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and client stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 100 resources engaged in robotics data collection through egocentric and teleoperation methods.
• Develop and implement program strategies, ensuring alignment with client objectives and timelines.
• Oversee daily operations, including resource planning, task allocation, and performance monitoring.
• Provide coaching and feedback for Team Leaders and Quality Assurance Specialists to ensure adherence to business processes and meet or exceed all service levels.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, data scientists, and client stakeholders to ensure quality and accuracy of collected data.
• Drive process improvements for efficiency and scalability in robotics data collection workflows.
• Manage budget, risk assessment, and compliance with client and industry standards.
• Prepare and present status reports, KPIs, and progress updates to senior leadership.
• Oversee Service Level Management and ensure adherence to SLAs.
• Manage Rhythm of Business (ROB): Establish and maintain structured meeting cadences for operational reviews.
• Organize and deliver presentations and reporting for Monthly Business Reviews (MBR) and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBR).
• Drive career growth initiatives, mentoring, and succession planning for team members.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.

HCL is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, physical disability or genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with federal, state, and/or local law. Should any applicant have concerns about discrimination in the hiring process, they should provide a detailed report of those concerns to [e-mail] for investigation.

A candidate’s pay within the range will depend on their skills, experience, education, and other factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses subject to company policies. In addition, this role is eligible for the following benefits subject to company policies: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance; employee assistance program; 401(k) retirement plan; 10 days of paid time off per year (some positions are eligible for need-based leave with no designated number of leave days per year); and 10 paid holidays per year.