The role of a Technical Project Manager is crucial in fostering a productive and efficient Research and Development (R&D) environment, particularly within cutting-edge fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence. These professionals act as the linchpin between diverse teams, facilitating communication and collaboration among stakeholders, developers, and engineers.
By employing Agile project management methodologies, they can streamline processes and adapt to changing project requirements, ensuring that teams can pivot effectively without losing momentum.
Their responsibilities include organizing agile ceremonies, maintaining detailed project documentation, and developing clear, actionable plans that translate ambitious objectives into achievable tasks. This requires not only a deep understanding of the technical landscape but also exceptional interpersonal skills to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical team members.
Role Overview
As a Technical Project Manager, your primary role will involve optimizing the operations of our Research and Development (R&D) team, ensuring that it functions seamlessly. You will be responsible for leading agile sprint ceremonies and maintaining comprehensive project documentation. Additionally, you will create and manage project plans while collaborating with all relevant stakeholders.
Candidate Profile
You are a highly collaborative individual capable of coordinating a variety of workloads that require effective prioritization. You have a strong desire to transform extensive to-do lists into manageable and actionable sprints.
You also possess the enthusiasm to delve into technical specifics and source code, displaying an exceptional level of attention to detail. Furthermore, you have a keen interest in the integration of robotics and human collaboration. If you identify with these qualities, our team would be eager to connect with you.
Key Responsibilities
- Stakeholder Communication: Engage effectively with stakeholders and development teams to facilitate collaboration and information exchange.
- Agile Project Management: Employ Agile best practices to manage projects involving distributed teams. Stay current with Neo Cybernetica’s technology stack, ensuring clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Process Ownership: Take charge of the agile process, advocating for continuous improvements that enhance project efficiency and organizational performance.
- Sprint Meetings: Organize and conduct all necessary sprint meetings, including sprint planning sessions, daily stand-ups, backlog refinement, and retrospectives.
- Project Planning and Maintenance: Develop and maintain project plans alongside the development team and leadership to meet key milestones.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Actively track and report on project progress, addressing challenges proactively to mitigate risks. Ensure that project team members fulfill their responsibilities and implement early corrective measures when required.
- Change Management: Manage any modifications to project deliverables, communicating their impacts on dependent projects with clarity and frequency.
- On-Site Collaboration: Be willing to travel occasionally to our Robotics Lab for on-site collaboration during critical phases of the project.
Technical and Professional Qualifications
- Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field.
- Experience: At least three years of relevant experience in project management, specifically within Robotics, AI Software Engineering, or Simulation.
- Software Development Experience: A minimum of two years in a hands-on software engineering or development role, utilizing programming languages such as Python or C++.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities, comfortable communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated skill in obtaining necessary clarifications to turn vague action items into concrete tasks.
- Written Communication: Excellent written communication skills, with a meticulous approach to detail.
- Meeting Facilitation: Ability to develop and communicate meeting agendas and presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences effectively.
- Leadership Qualities: Capable of leading, motivating, and influencing teams without direct authority.
- Project Management Tools: Familiarity with project management software, such as GitLab, Jira, or Asana.
- Project Lifecycle Management: Proven track record of managing projects from inception to completion, including the ability to capture high-level requirements and translate them into actionable plans.
Preferred Qualifications
- Leadership Experience: Previous experience in leadership roles.
- Knowledge of Robotics/AI: Up-to-date knowledge of advancements in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
- Small Company Experience: Experience working in a small business environment.
- Robotics/Drone Expertise: Familiarity with robotics and/or drone technologies.
- Remote Team Collaboration: Experience working effectively within distributed teams.
- Resume: A concise, one-page resume summarizing your career history.
Benefits We Provide
- Innovative Environment: Work within a high-tech setting that prioritizes Research and Development.
- Autonomy in Decision-Making: Enjoy the freedom to make innovative decisions.
- Competitive Compensation: Receive highly competitive employment terms, including significant stock options.
- Healthcare Benefits: Access comprehensive healthcare coverage, encompassing Medical, Dental, and Vision.
- Flexible Work Schedule: Benefit from a flexible schedule and an unlimited Out of Office plan, with encouragement to take four or more weeks off per year.
Diversity Commitment
We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Technical Project Manager contribute to team collaboration?
A Technical Project Manager fosters collaboration by organizing regular meetings, facilitating communication between team members, and ensuring that everyone is clear on their responsibilities. They bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring all voices are heard and understood.
What methodologies do Technical Project Managers typically use?
Most Technical Project Managers employ Agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, to manage projects. These frameworks emphasize iterative development, flexibility, and team collaboration, allowing for adaptive planning and evolutionary development.
What are the main responsibilities during an Agile sprint?
During an Agile sprint, a Technical Project Manager is responsible for conducting sprint planning meetings, daily stand-ups, backlog refinement sessions, and sprint retrospectives. They monitor progress, address any impediments, and ensure that the team remains focused on their sprint goals.
How do Technical Project Managers handle project risks?
They proactively identify potential risks by closely monitoring project progress and team dynamics. By maintaining open lines of communication, they can quickly address any issues that arise and implement strategies to mitigate risks before they escalate.
What role does technical knowledge play in this position?
Technical knowledge allows a Technical Project Manager to understand the intricacies of the projects they oversee, enabling them to engage effectively with development teams. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions, resolving technical issues, and ensuring the feasibility of project timelines.
Is experience in a specific industry necessary for this role?
While not strictly necessary, experience in the specific industry related to the projects being managed-such as robotics or artificial intelligence-can be a significant advantage. Familiarity with industry standards, technologies, and challenges can enhance a Project Manager’s effectiveness.
What career advancement opportunities exist for Technical Project Managers?
Technical Project Managers can advance to senior project management roles, such as Program Manager or Director of Project Management. They may also transition into product management, operations management, or executive roles within the technology sector, leveraging their skills in leadership and strategic planning.
