Technical Program Manager
Zurich
General /
Full-Time /
On-site
RIVR is a Swiss robotics company pioneering Physical AI and robotic solutions to revolutionize last-mile delivery, giving 1 human the power of 1000. Through the combination of artificial neural networks and innovative robot designs with wheels and legs, RIVR aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and scalability in last-mile delivery. Founded as Swiss-Mile, the company rebranded to RIVR in 2025 to better reflect its mission of driving the future of intelligent robotics.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Technical Program Manager (TPM) to orchestrate our complex, cross-functional engineering programs. As the operational backbone of our technical teams, you will bridge the gap between our ambitious product roadmap and the realities of execution. You will drive the entire development lifecycle, ensuring that our pioneering AI, firmware, and hardware are integrated seamlessly and delivered on time. This role is central to our success, requiring a unique blend of technical credibility, project management rigor, and exceptional communication skills to steer our vision for autonomous delivery into a real-world product.
What you’ll be doing
- Program Planning & Execution: Own and drive the end-to-end execution of our robotics programs, from hardware builds to AI model deployments. Lead quarterly and sprint planning sessions with cross-functional teams, ensuring goals are ambitious, clear, and aligned with company objectives.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Act as the key interface between our AI, robotics, hardware, and firmware engineering teams to ensure seamless collaboration. You will be the one who identifies, tracks, and manages inter-team dependencies to prevent bottlenecks.
- Process & Methodology: Champion and refine our agile development processes. Leverage tools like Jira and Confluence to track progress, manage backlogs, and maintain a clear, accessible knowledge base for the entire organization.
- Technical Engagement: Maintain a strong technical understanding of our systems, from custom PCBs and mechanical assemblies to our AI perception stack—to facilitate productive discussions, accurately assess risks, and build trust with the engineering team.
- Communication & Reporting: Develop and maintain dashboards to provide clear visibility on program status, risks, and milestones for both engineering teams and leadership. Proactively communicate with all stakeholders, ensuring there are no surprises.
What you must have
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field.
- 4-6 years of experience in a technical program or project management role, specifically managing complex hardware/software integration projects.
- Proven experience working in a fast-paced, technical product environment such as robotics, autonomous systems, automotive, or aerospace.
- Proven experience scaling a product from a prototype to a production environment.
- A solid understanding of the fundamentals of robotics, including sensors, embedded systems, and software development lifecycles.
- Strong knowledge of agile methodologies and proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues for non-technical audiences.
Get some bonus points
- A Master’s degree in a relevant technical or management field.
- Direct experience with legged robotics, autonomous vehicles, or last-mile delivery systems.A PMP, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or other relevant project management certification.
- Experience with capacity planning and resource management for engineering teams.
RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you’re passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.
We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in-person presence in our office locations.
