We are seeking a strategic Associate Director of Technical Operations – Operations Program Management (OPM) to lead the successful delivery, launch and sustainment of advanced robotics products. This senior leadership role oversees a multi-disciplinary team responsible for driving complex, cross-functional product initiatives, managing engineering change processes, and ensuring seamless prototype and pre-production execution, and ultimately successful product launches.

You will lead three core functions:

• Operations Program Management – overseeing execution of robotics NPI and cross-functional initiatives as part of product program Core Teams.
• Engineering Change Coordination – managing product change processes and guiding the successful execution of engineering changes to products post-launch.
• DFx & Prototype Engineering – building pre-production hardware and ensuring design optimization across key dimensions (manufacturing, serviceability, testability, etc.) by delivering DFx feedback to design teams and managing the gated process to ensure maximum compliance with DFx principles.

This role will define and scale delivery frameworks, standardize tools and processes, and drive cross-organizational alignment across engineering and operations. Operating both strategically and tactically, you will play a critical role in developing robust NPI capabilities and sustaining product excellence in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

In this role you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead and develop high-performing teams of project/program managers and DFx engineers across multiple technical disciplines.

• Drive execution of New Product Introductions (NPI) and sustaining activities across a portfolio of robotics products.

• Establish and enforce standards for Engineering Change Management, ensuring effective product updates through end-of-life.

• Partner with Engineering, Product, and Operations leadership to align priorities, manage interdependencies, and support long-term roadmap execution.

• Define and implement standardized tools, templates, and processes to drive consistent and efficient program execution.

• Build organizational capability through hiring, mentoring, and career development of program management talent.

• Monitor portfolio health, program risk, and stakeholder engagement; proactively mitigate escalations and delivery roadblocks.

• Lead executive-level reporting and communication, providing strategic insights and recommendations on schedule, resource trade-offs, and investment needs.

• Champion continuous improvement, operational excellence, and process innovation across all areas of technical operations.
   

To succeed in this role you will have the following skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

• 12+ years of progressive experience in engineering program or project management, including at least 4 years in a leadership capacity.

• Proven success leading large-scale robotics or electromechanical product development programs and managing complex program portfolios.

• Deep knowledge of NPI processes, cross-functional program execution, and engineering lifecycle management.

• Strong experience in scaling operations and implementing delivery excellence in high-growth environments.

• Advanced project/program management certifications (e.g., PMP, PgMP, Agile) strongly preferred.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.