Technical Program Manager

Quartermaster AI Inc; Arlington, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Quartermaster AI Inc. seeks a detail-oriented Technical Program Manager to drive execution across complex hardware, software, and operations programs. You will coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure ruggedized sensing systems ship on time and meet specs.

The role emphasizes milestone-driven planning, risk management, and clear communication with stakeholders to align technical work with strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, CS, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in technical program/project management within hardware, robotics, or embedded systems.
• Proven track record managing complex programs with hardware/software integration.
• Familiarity with agile, hybrid, milestone-driven development.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end planning and execution of major product development programs from concept to deployment.
• Define schedules, milestones, and critical paths across hardware, software, and manufacturing tracks.
• Lead cross-functional standups, sprint planning, and milestone reviews with engineering and ops.
• Identify dependencies, resources, and risks; escalate and drive resolution.
• Maintain program docs, dashboards, and issue trackers for transparency.
• Support NPI and field rollout planning with supply chain and QA readiness.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Jira

Confluence

Gantt software

Embedded systems

Hardware/software integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or CS

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

About Us:

Quartermaster is building the world's most comprehensive maritime intelligence platform. Our SmartMast™ system transforms commercial and civilian vessels into a persistent, distributed sensing network—combining HD video, AI, radar, RF sensing, and AIS to deliver real-time maritime domain awareness at global scale. With 600+ sensors deployed across 25+ countries and more than 400,000 vessels identified outside of AIS, we are setting a new standard for what ocean surveillance and safety can look like. We are a mission-driven, high-velocity team building dual-use technology for defense agencies, coast guards, and commercial maritime operators.

Job Description:

Quartermaster is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Technical Program Manager (TPM) to drive execution across complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs. In this role, you will coordinate efforts across hardware, software, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure our ruggedized sensing systems are delivered on time, on spec, and ready for deployment. You’ll serve as the connective tissue between technical contributors and strategic milestones—tracking progress, identifying risks, and enabling decision-making at all levels. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a passion for aligning technical work with real-world outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end planning and execution of major product development programs, from concept through production and deployment.

• Define program schedules, milestones, and critical paths across hardware, software, and manufacturing tracks.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration by running standups, sprint planning, and milestone reviews with engineering and ops teams.

• Identify dependencies, resource needs, and execution risks—proactively escalating and driving resolution.

• Maintain clear, up-to-date program documentation including Gantt charts, issue trackers, and progress dashboards.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) and field rollout planning, ensuring readiness across supply chain, QA, and logistics.

• Act as primary point of contact for internal stakeholders on program status, scope, and decision timelines.

• Coordinate change management, ensuring that scope or requirement shifts are clearly communicated and integrated across teams.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of program processes, tooling, and collaboration practices.

• Help ensure programs align with company OKRs and strategic priorities.

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years of experience in a technical program or project management role within a hardware, robotics, or embedded systems environment.

• Proven track record managing complex, multi-phase programs with hardware/software integration.

• Strong familiarity with agile, hybrid, and milestone-driven development methodologies.

• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to translate between technical and executive audiences.

• Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Gantt software, or other collaboration platforms.

• Bonus: background in maritime, aerospace, defense, or field-deployed sensing systems.

Work Environment:

• Flexible working hours with occasional deadlines requiring high availability.

• Opportunity to work on innovative projects with a global impact.