Vice President, Strategic Program Management Office (SPMO)

Accountabilities:

• • Build, lead, and scale the Strategic Program Management Office, including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and performance management of Technical Program Managers.
  • Establish consistent program management methodologies, tools, governance, and operating cadences across new product development, product launch, and other strategic programs.
  • Own the portfolio-level view of active programs, including prioritization, sequencing, resource allocation, interdependencies, capacity, and cross-program tradeoffs.
  • Partner with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, quality, finance, and commercial leadership to align teams around milestones, commitments, and launch objectives.
  • Establish and lead executive program reviews, providing senior leadership with concise, data-driven visibility into program health, risks, dependencies, and recommended decisions.
  • Identify at-risk programs early, develop recovery plans, and drive resolution of cross-functional blockers before they affect cost, quality, or launch timelines.
  • Define and monitor program KPIs covering schedule, cost, quality, scope, and execution predictability, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
  • Lead change management and increase process maturity as the organization evolves from prototype and pilot programs toward repeatable, high-volume production.
  • Oversee program budgets and resource allocation in collaboration with Finance and functional leaders.
  • Represent the program management function in strategic planning, new product introduction governance, and annual operating planning.
  • Coach and develop program leaders while raising the organization-wide standard for execution, accountability, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Serve as a hands-on executive leader, stepping into critical programs when necessary to resolve complex issues and maintain momentum.

  Requirements:

  • 12+ years of technical program management or project management experience, including at least 5 years managing and developing teams of program or technical program managers.
  • Proven experience leading new product introduction (NPI) or new product development (NPD) programs within hardware, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or other complex electromechanical product environments.
  • Demonstrated success building or scaling a PMO or strategic program management organization within a rapidly growing or evolving business.
  • Strong executive presence, with the ability to communicate program status, risks, dependencies, tradeoffs, and recommendations effectively to C-suite and board-level stakeholders.
  • Deep knowledge of program management methodologies, including stage-gate processes, risk management, critical-path and schedule management, and earned-value management or equivalent approaches.
  • Significant experience working across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality organizations within a hardware-focused environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related discipline; an MBA or technical master's degree is advantageous.
  • PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification is preferred.
  • Experience in robotics, humanoid or mobile robotics, advanced automation, or another highly complex technology environment is strongly preferred.
  • Experience taking an integrated hardware and software product from pilot production through a volume manufacturing ramp is a plus.
  • Familiarity with modern program and portfolio management tools such as Smartsheet, Jira, Monday, or comparable platforms.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, with a disciplined approach to identifying and mitigating risk.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the credibility to influence senior leaders and align diverse technical and business teams.
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, highly cross-functional environment where priorities and requirements can evolve quickly.
  • Must currently be authorized to work in the United States.

  Benefits:

  • Base salary: $250,000–$390,000 USD, with final compensation determined by factors including location, skills, knowledge, and experience.
  • Equity: Company stock options.
  • Annual bonus: Discretionary bonus eligibility for qualifying roles.
  • 401(k): Company match of up to 6%.
  • Healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
  • Insurance: 100% company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • Benefits from day one: Eligibility for benefits begins on the first day of employment.
  • Paid time off: Flexible, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, plus 12 company holidays including a winter shutdown.
  • Parental leave: Generous paid parental leave programs.
  • Well-being: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Professional development: Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for continued professional growth.
  • Remote flexibility: Fully remote work, with hybrid options available for employees within commuting distance of offices in Salem, Oregon; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; or Fremont, California.
  • Relocation: Assistance available for eligible roles.
  • On-site perks: Catered lunches four times per week, plus healthy snacks and refreshments at applicable office locations.