Technical Program Manager

At Reality Labs, Research, you will join a world-class team exploring cutting edge machine learning, computer vision, hardware, software, and state-of-the-art augmented and mixed reality technology. Every day, you will work alongside the world's leading Research Scientists and Engineers to create the technology that will make VR and AR pervasive and universal.

The Display Systems Research (DSR) team's mission is to invent the next generation of near-eye display and optical systems — delivering visual experiences that are perceptually indistinguishable from reality in a form factor people will wear all day. If you are excited by working on this ambitious goal, then keep reading further!

We are seeking an exceptional Technical Program Manager (TPM) with a passion for working with multidisciplinary teams in order to bring new and complex display, optics, and photonics technologies to life in a fast paced environment.

This is a highly cross functional role that requires demonstrated experience leading hardware and software technical initiatives, program management, clear communication, and influential leadership skills.

The right candidate will help structure programs and projects in alignment with roadmaps, ensure prioritization with cross-functional alignment, build detailed milestones and execution plans, ensure end-to-end delivery while providing updates through transparent and concise communication. This position will be based out of our Redmond (WA) office.

Responsibilities

• Autonomously develop and lead complex cross-functional program plans (milestones, schedules, staffing plans) in a large matrix organization spanning research, engineering (optics, display, hardware + software), architects, and user experience
• Structure new programs and projects, develop end-to-end execution plans for on-time delivery across Display Systems Research and XFN teams
• Collaboratively build and actualize technical roadmaps for display and optical architectures, proactively identifying technical dependencies, constraints, and risks with mitigation strategies, align on priorities, and chart the execution path for delivery
• Drive programs that span the full research-to-product pipeline: optical design and simulation, prototype build, lab characterization and metrology, and perceptual/human-factors validation
• Manage external partnerships and supply-chain engagements with optics, display panel, laser, and photonics vendors, including custom component development, NRE schedules, and prototype build plans
• Drive conversations with XFN partner teams for alignment and delivery in an independent manner
• Ongoing communication of planning, program status, issues and risks in a timely fashion to stakeholders. Distill complex topics and updates into clear and concise communications to program stakeholders and executive management
• Mentor other TPMs by providing guidance on program management approaches, stakeholder engagement strategies, and domain-specific problem solving
• Partner with lab operations and safety teams on laser safety, optical lab infrastructure, and test/measurement capability planning

Qualifications

• B.S. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in the technology industry as a technical program manager or engineering manager, leading development of hardware and/or software initiatives
• Working technical fluency in one or more of: optical systems and imaging, near-eye or projection displays, laser and light sources, waveguides and freeform optics, photonics, or optical metrology — sufficient to engage credibly with research scientists and optical engineers
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through the hardware and/or software development lifecycle and driving tech maturation using an established framework (e.g. Tech Readiness Levels)
• Experience in navigating through ambiguity, driving timely decisions, and presenting to diverse groups (technical and non-technical)
• Experience building and shipping 0–1 prototypes and/or products from inception to delivery
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
• Experience applying quantitative methods such as timeline modeling or impact analysis to evaluate and prioritize program risks
• Experience driving process improvements or program management frameworks that have been adopted across multiple teams or programs
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
• Experience contributing to TPM community initiatives, including onboarding, mentorship, or hiring processes