> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2727766-technical-program-manager-optimus](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2727766-technical-program-manager-optimus). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Technical Program Manager, Optimus - **Company:** Tesla Motors - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States - **Salary:** $112,000.0 - $168,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Asana, JIRA, Firmware, Microsoft Project, Systems Architecture - **Published:** September 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18208139?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18208139%2FTechnical-Program-Manager-Optimus-California-Palo-Alto ## About the Role * Proven experience as a Technical Program Manager in robotics, automotive, consumer electronics, or high-volume manufacturing environments * Strong technical aptitude with the ability to engage deeply in both mechanical design and firmware/software discussions * Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a commodity or major subsystem - including design influence, supply chain development, production ramp, and field feedback loops * Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Jira, Asana) and the ability to build clear, actionable timelines and dashboards * Exceptional cross-functional communication and influence skills. You thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and can drive alignment without direct authority * Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate field and service data into meaningful product changes * Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or equivalent experience ## Description We are looking for a Technical Program Manager who will take full end-to-end ownership of one of our critical commodities - frominitialdesign and prototyping through firmware integration, supply chain, production ramp, and service feedback that shapes the next generation. You will act as the central thread connecting engineering, firmware, manufacturing, supply chain, and service teams. Your ability to drive clarity, manage complex timelines, and translate real-world learnings into actionable product improvements will directlydetermineour speed of iteration and the quality and cost of Optimus at scale. What You'll Do * Partner closely with engineering teams during the full design and prototyping process, providing real-time feedback on design trade-offs, material selections, and manufacturability to ensure decisions made early in development positively impact production outcomes, cost, and quality * Actively participate in firmware and software discussions with cross-functional stakeholders to define clear requirements, resolve integration challenges, and ensure the commodity performs reliably within the complete Optimus system architecture * Own the entire supply chain for your assigned commodity - including supplier selection, qualification, ongoing performance management, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies against geopolitical, material, or capacity disruptions * Lead production planning activities to support prototype builds, pilot lines, and volume manufacturing ramps with high predictability and on-time delivery * Systematically review field service data, reliability metrics, and customer feedback Convert these insights into clear, prioritized recommendations that drive design improvements, reliability enhancements, and process changes for next-generation Optimus releases * Develop and maintain comprehensive, integrated program timelines across all development phases (concept, prototype, validation, production, and sustainment) using tools such as MS Project, Jira, or Asana Identify critical paths, surface risks early, escalate appropriately, and deliver consistent status updates to leadership and program stakeholders * Operate with high ownership and urgency, bridging gaps across hardware, software, supply chain, and service to keep the program moving at Tesla speed ## Related Videos - [A Founder's Journey : From Startup Chaos to Purposeful Growth](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1926-a-founder-s-journey-from-startup-chaos-to-purposeful-growth) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Fleet Management - Reinvented](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/473-fleet-management-reinvented) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Should Tech Managers Be Developers First? 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