Technical Program Manager

Parallel Systems; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Parallel Systems is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead execution across hardware, autonomy systems, and enterprise software. This pivotal hire will keep engineering efforts aligned as we scale autonomous rail vehicles.

You’ll work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams to track progress, surface risks, and ensure seamless integration across all parts of the system.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technical or engineering program management.
• Strong technical background with hardware and software experience.
• Proven track record delivering complex cross-functional programs on time and budget.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and program-tracking tools.
• Ability to manage ambiguity in a high-growth startup.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the integrated master schedule (IMS) across hardware, software, and product deliveries.
• Coordinate timelines, priorities, and deliverables across hardware, firmware, and software teams.
• Track milestones, manage risks, and drive resolution on blockers.
• Ensure alignment on requirements between engineering, product, and customer teams.
• Facilitate regular syncs, status reporting, and planning sessions.
• Create and maintain documentation to support visibility and execution.
• Support development and integration of new vehicle generations, enterprise software upgrades, and firmware iterations.

Skills

Technical program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Program leadership

Communication

Ambiguity management

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.

Technical Program Manager

Parallel Systems is looking for a Technical Program Manager to lead execution across our vehicle hardware, autonomy systems, and enterprise software. This is the first TPM hire at the company - a critical role responsible for keeping engineering efforts aligned as we develop and scale the next generation of autonomous rail vehicles.

You’ll work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams to track progress, manage timelines, surface risks, and ensure seamless integration across all parts of the system. From tracking hardware builds and test cycles to coordinating software and firmware dependencies, you’ll drive programs that sit at the heart of our product roadmap.

This role demands strong communication, technical depth, organizational rigor, attention to detail, and a bias for action. You should thrive in fast-paced environments, be comfortable in the details of physical systems, and bring structure to complex, multi-disciplinary development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Work with leadership to own and manage the integrated master schedule (IMS) that owns the hardware, software, and product deliveries
• Coordinate timelines, priorities, and deliverables across hardware, firmware, and software teams for both current and next generation platforms
• Track milestones, manage risks, and drive resolution on blockers
• Ensure alignment on requirements between engineering, product, and customer teams
• Facilitate regular syncs, status reporting, and planning sessions
• Create and maintain documentation to support clear visibility and execution at all levels
• Support development and integration of new vehicle generations, enterprise software upgrades, and firmware iterations

What Success Looks Like

• After 30 Days: You’ve ramped up on our development processes, tools, and teams, and established a clear understanding of the current vehicle and software stack. You own and maintain the cross-functional integrated master schedule (IMS).You’ve begun managing active programs and created an execution dashboard with forward-looking key timelines.
• After 60 Days: You’re driving weekly program updates across hardware, software, and firmware teams, surfacing cross-functional risks and pushing clarity on critical path items. You’ve led coordination on at least one major cross-functional release, with a clear post-mortem process in place. You’ve introduced process improvements that enhance visibility and delivery speed.
• After 90 Days: You’re seen as a go-to partner for program planning and execution across the company. You’ve identified and mitigated future risks for the company across critical path items.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technical program management or engineering program roles
• Strong technical background with experience working closely with hardware and software teams
• Proven track record of delivering complex, cross-functional programs on time and budget
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and program tracking tools
• Ability to manage ambiguity and drive clarity in a high-growth startup environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in transportation, robotics, or hardware/software integrated systems
• Familiarity with product development lifecyclesor NPI processes
• Experience working with enterprise software platforms or freight industry tools

Target Salary Range:

$176,000 — $220,000 USD

Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.

Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.