Technical Program Manager – Multidisciplinary Robotic Systems

Technical Program Manager – Multidisciplinary Robotic Systems
Type: Freelance / Contract
Duration: 6 months (Potential Extension)
Start: ASAP
Location: Berlin

Overview
Linnk is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary robotic systems from concept through development, production, deployment, and field sustainment.
This role will sit at the centre of Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Systems Engineering, ensuring tightly coupled technical workstreams remain aligned on scope, schedule, cost, quality, and delivery priorities.
You will own end-to-end programme execution across new product introduction, design iterations, cost-down initiatives, and retrofit programmes for deployed robotic systems. The successful candidate will combine strong technical understanding with excellent programme leadership, risk management, and cross-functional communication skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Own integrated programme schedules across Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Systems Engineering workstreams
• Lead programme execution from early concept and prototype development through production ramp, deployment, and field support
• Establish and manage programme governance, including design reviews, change boards, milestone gates, and risk management mechanisms
• Coordinate New Product Introduction (NPI) activities including prototyping, Design Verification Testing (DVT), Production Validation Testing (PVT), and manufacturing readiness
• Drive cost reduction, Design for Excellence (DFx), and product optimisation initiatives across robotic platforms
• Lead retrofit and upgrade programmes for deployed robotic systems based on field feedback, failure data, and operational performance
• Translate technical issues and operational data into clear engineering priorities and actionable improvement plans
• Define and track programme KPIs including schedule adherence, risk burn-down, cost targets, and field reliability metrics
• Provide clear, data-driven programme updates and recommendations to senior leadership
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders across Product, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Field Operations, and external partners
• Identify programme risks, dependencies, and technical trade-offs and drive timely resolution across engineering teams
• Maintain strong accountability across workstreams to ensure programmes are delivered on time and to the required quality standards

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Proven experience managing complex technical programmes across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Experience working with Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Systems Engineering functions
• Strong understanding of hardware and software development lifecycles
• Experience building programme processes, coordinating release schedules, and managing multiple technical workstreams
• Strong risk management, planning, and problem-solving capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience delivering robotics, automation, mechatronics, or complex electromechanical products
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI), DVT, PVT, and manufacturing ramp activities
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, or broader DFx methodologies
• Experience managing field retrofit, upgrade, or sustainment programmes
• Familiarity with reliability metrics, failure analysis, and field performance data
• Experience working with contract manufacturers or external engineering partners
• Experience managing geographically distributed engineering teams
• Project or Programme Management certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or Scrum

KEY ATTRIBUTES
• Strong Technical Understanding
• Excellent Cross-Functional Leader
• Systems Thinker
• Data-Driven Decision Maker
• Strong Risk Manager
• Highly Organised
• Clear and Confident Communicator
• Ownership and Accountability
• Comfortable Managing Technical Trade-Offs
• Continuous Improvement Mindset