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Staff Technical Program Manager

Rhoda AI

Rhoda AI

IT, Sales & Business Development, Operations
Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 17, 2026

Location

Palo Alto

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Hardware

At Rhoda AI, we're building the full-stack foundation for the next generation of humanoid robots — from high-performance, software-defined hardware to the foundational models and video world models that control it. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling scenarios unseen in training. We work at the intersection of large-scale learning, robotics, and systems, with a research team that includes researchers from Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and beyond. We're not building a feature; we're building a new computing platform for physical work — and with over $400M raised, we're investing aggressively in the R&D, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make that a reality.

Gen1 represents our first low-volume, fully integrated humanoid system designed for EVT/DVT validation, early customer deployment, and scaling toward Gen2. We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to own the cross-functional execution of Gen1 from integration through DVT.

What You'll Do

Program Execution

  • Own the Gen1 integrated master schedule (IMS) and drive EVT → DVT gate readiness

  • Coordinate system integration milestones and ensure alignment between hardware freeze dates and AI/controls needs

  • Track long-lead items and tooling readiness across all subsystems

Hardware Integration

  • Align actuator development and coordinate torque sensor validation and calibration plans

  • Ensure EtherCAT network readiness and manage compute integration (edge inference stack on NVIDIA Thor platform)

  • Align GMSL2 camera selection and validation; track safety architecture validation (ISO 13849, IEC 61508 considerations)

Manufacturing & NPI

  • Coordinate DFM workshops with shortlisted US-based contract manufacturers

  • Manage EVT/DVT builds with low-volume NPI partner and drive ECO cadence

  • Track tooling, fixtures, and test infrastructure readiness; ensure supply chain risk mitigation and dual sourcing where applicable

Risk & Decision Velocity

  • Maintain an active risk register (RPN-based prioritization) and escalate critical blockers with low decision latency

  • Structure cross-functional resolution sessions and drive root-cause closure with clear accountability

Cross-Functional Ownership

  • Run weekly cross-functional execution reviews across mechanical, electronics, firmware, controls, and supply chain

  • Define clear entry/exit criteria for EVT and DVT

  • Coordinate test infrastructure needs (actuator rigs, dyno requirements, endurance testing)

  • Align certification workstreams for potential EU deployment

  • Drive readiness for low-volume build target (7–10 units)

What We're Looking For

  • 8+ years of experience in hardware program management in robotics, EV, aerospace, or complex electromechanical systems

  • Demonstrated ownership of EVT/DVT/PVT cycles

  • Strong understanding of actuator architectures, embedded systems integration, safety-rated motion control, and multi-axis robotic systems

  • Experience managing contract manufacturers through NPI and low-volume ramp

  • Proven ability to operate in low-structure startup environments

  • Ability to synthesize technical risk into executive-level clarity

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

  • Experience with humanoid or high-DoF robotic systems

  • Familiarity with EtherCAT-based distributed architectures

  • Familiarity with SIL2/SIL3 functional safety concepts

  • Experience with real-time systems

  • Experience scaling hardware from prototype to mid-volume production

Why This Role

  • Own the execution of Gen1 — Rhoda's first fully integrated humanoid — from EVT through DVT and into early customer deployment, a once-in-a-career program management opportunity

  • Direct access to executive leadership and a clear path to program leadership as Gen1 scales into Gen2

  • Be the connective tissue across every discipline building the robot: hardware, firmware, controls, AI, and manufacturing