Technical Project Manager, Optimus

Overview

We seek a Technical Program Manager to take full ownership of a vital component within the Optimus project, overseeing all phases from design and prototyping through firmware integration, supply chain management, production ramp-up, and service-related feedback to inform future iterations.

This role serves as the primary coordinator linking engineering, firmware, manufacturing, supply chain, and service teams. Your capability to clarify goals, handle complex schedules, and convert practical insights into actionable product enhancements will heavily impact the speed and efficacy of Optimus's development and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams during design and prototype stages, delivering timely feedback on design compromises, material choices, and manufacturability to optimize production results, cost, and quality from the outset.
• Engage actively in firmware and software discussions across teams to establish precise requirements, address integration challenges, and guarantee reliable commodity performance within the full Optimus architecture.
• Manage the entire supply chain for assigned components, from supplier selection and qualification to ongoing performance oversight, risk evaluation, and mitigation against geopolitical, material, or capacity uncertainties.
• Lead production planning efforts supporting prototype builds, pilot lines, and volume manufacturing ramps, ensuring high predictability and on-schedule deliveries.
• Analyze field service data, reliability metrics, and customer feedback systematically, turning these findings into prioritized recommendations that enhance design, reliability, and processes for subsequent Optimus versions.
• Create and sustain detailed, integrated program schedules covering all development stages using tools such as MS Project, Jira, or Asana. Identify critical paths, anticipate risks, escalate concerns timely, and regularly update leadership and stakeholders on progress.
• Operate with strong ownership and urgency, bridging hardware, software, supply chain, and service disciplines to maintain Tesla's rapid pace of program advancement.

Qualifications

• Proven background as a Technical Program Manager in robotics, automotive, consumer electronics, or high-volume manufacturing sectors.
• Strong technical proficiency enabling deep involvement in both mechanical design and firmware/software conversations.
• Experience owning a commodity or major subsystem end-to-end, including design input, supply chain development, production ramp-up, and integration of field feedback.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana) and skill in producing clear, actionable timelines and progress dashboards.
• Exceptional communication and influence capabilities across diverse teams, thriving in dynamic and ambiguous contexts without direct authority.
• A data-driven approach to interpreting field and service information into substantive product changes.
• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or comparable experience.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary ranges between $96,800 and $168,000, complemented by cash and stock awards along with a comprehensive benefits package starting from day one of employment. Benefits include various medical plans with zero payroll deductions, family-building supports like fertility and adoption assistance, dental and vision coverage with no employee cost options, company contributions to Health Savings Accounts for qualifying plans, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plans, life and disability insurance, employee assistance programs, paid sick and vacation time including holidays, childcare and parenting resources, and voluntary insurance offerings such as critical illness, accident, legal protection, and pet insurance.

Additional perks involve weight loss and tobacco cessation programs, specialized programs for families, commuter benefits, and employee discounts.

Workplace Location

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Palo Alto, California.