Technical Program Manager l Robotics & Distributed Systems l Tokyo, Japan

We’re partnering with a fast-growing robotics company that’s building connected, intelligent robotic systems used in real-world industrial environments.

The team is scaling a next-generation multi-robot automation platform and is looking for a Technical Program Manager to drive cross-functional execution across robotics, software, and product.

This is a high-impact role sitting at the intersection of distributed systems, robotics, and product delivery, ideal for someone who enjoys bringing clarity, pace, and structure to complex technical work.

🧩 The Role

As a Technical Program Manager, you’ll lead execution for a cross-functional group working on multi-robot control, coordination, and distributed systems. You’ll own planning and delivery, translate product intent into executable backlogs, and create the operating rhythm that allows teams to ship reliable, high-quality features at scale.

You’ll work closely with product managers, engineers, and domain experts to ensure outcomes are aligned with real operational and business needs.

🔧 What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead cross-functional teams of robotics systems and software engineers in distributed, multi-robot domains
• Partner daily with product managers and domain specialists to align roadmaps with product and customer objectives
• Own and manage the team backlog: writing user stories, refining requirements, prioritising for value, and defining clear acceptance criteria
• Run delivery cadence including planning, iteration goal-setting, demos, and retrospectives
• Act as a connector and unblocker — clarifying requirements, tightening feedback loops, and validating outcomes against goals
• Drive continuous improvement across delivery processes, quality, reliability, and team learning

🌱 Mindset They Value

• Purpose-driven and motivated by applying technology to real-world impact
• Calm, service-oriented leadership style with strong collaboration skills
• Values clarity, simplicity, empathy, and first-principles thinking
• Comfortable operating in complex, evolving technical environments

✅ Requirements

Must-haves

• Advanced degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
• 2+ years leading technical programs or projects in a commercial environment (robotics or distributed systems)
• Strong experience with backlog ownership and cross-functional facilitation
• Outcome-oriented approach to delivery
• Professional-level English
• Willingness to work from a Tokyo-based office (visa sponsorship available)

Nice to have

• Background in distributed systems, real-time coordination, or large-scale orchestration (e.g. multi-agent systems, ROS2, event-driven architectures)
• Experience in logistics, warehousing, or industrial automation
• Data-driven mindset, including use of telemetry, experiments, or reliability metrics