Technical Program Manager

Amazon RIVR is a robotics company pioneering Physical AI through real-world doorstep delivery. Founded in 2024 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, RIVR developed wheeled-legged robots designed to operate in complex, unstructured environments such as stairs, gates, doors, and uneven urban terrain. We believe that achieving general physical intelligence requires solving real customer problems in the real world, where robots can learn from rich operational data at scale.

Following our acquisition by Amazon in March 2026, we are continuing this mission with greater reach and speed. By combining custom robot hardware, onboard autonomy, and cloud-based coordination, Amazon RIVR is building the next generation of safe, reliable autonomous robots for last-mile delivery

Job Description

Our next Technical Program Manager will serve as the operational architect for our hardware and safety-critical systems. This role is designed for a leader who thrives on complexity and can bridge the gap between ambitious product goals and the rigorous realities of physical engineering.You will be responsible for driving products through a disciplined stage-gate lifecycle, ensuring that hardware builds are synchronized with Agile software releases.

As a key partner to Product Management and a trusted advisor to executive leadership (VPs/SVPs), you will manage the balance of scope, resource constraints, and safety requirements to deliver world-class autonomous systems.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the program through a formal stage-gate execution framework. You will coordinate the definition of exit criteria for each gate and ensure adherence to these agreements by all involved development teams.
• Act as the synchronization layer between hardware, certification, software, product management, supply chain, manufacturing, QA, etc. This includes alignment with external partners such as engineering partners, notified bodies and compliance testing facilities among others.
• Partner closely with Product Management and Systems Engineering to translate Product Requirements into actionable technical milestones.
• Coordinate the execution of safety validation plans to ensure the final product meets internal and regulatory standards without slowing down the development pace.
• Provide insightful reports to high level managers. You will distill complex technical roadblocks into concise, data-driven executive summaries, focusing on program health, strategic risks, and milestone confidence.
• Proactively map and manage cross-functional dependencies. You will maintain a rigorous risk register that identifies single points of failure in the schedule, ranging from technical design hurdles to critical-path dependencies.
• You will identify and report on resource constraints (headcount, lab space, or equipment), providing the case for adjustments to ensure the team can meet its commitments.

What you must have

• Bachelor’s degree in Hardware Engineering (e.g. Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.)
• 5+ years of experience in Technical Program Management or Project Management, specifically managing integrated hardware/software systems in a fast-paced environment (e.g., Robotics, Automotive, Aerospace).
• Proven success driving products through a stage-gate process, with a deep understanding of how to manage hardware milestones alongside software, product, supply chain, manufacturing, safety, etc.
• Experience navigating the certification processes for physical products such as UL, CE, FCC, or industry-specific functional safety certifications together with external partners.
• Advanced skills in Jira, Confluence, and roadmap visualization tools

Get some bonus points

• Professional certification in project or program management (e.g., PMP, or Certified Scrum Master (CSM)).
• Direct experience managing the development of complex mechatronic systems, robotics, or autonomous hardware.

Amazon 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.