Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager, AI Control Systems for Industrial Automation

Phaidra is building the future of industrial automation by creating AI-powered control systems that enable industrial facilities to learn and improve automatically over time. We use reinforcement learning to convert sensor data into actionable insights and decisions, allowing domain experts to configure these AI systems without writing code. Our team has a proven track record of applying AI to complex problems, including achieving superhuman performance with DeepMind's AlphaGo and optimizing Google's data center cooling. We value Transparency, Collaboration, Operational Excellence, Ownership, and Empathy.

Phaidra is a 100% remote company with employees located internationally, supported by OysterHR. We foster a documentation-first, asynchronous communication culture.

Who You Are

• An independent, organized, and skilled planner with strong project management abilities.
• Possess technical knowledge in industrial controls, building automation systems, and/or air or water-cooled chiller plants.
• Driven to learn diverse industries and technologies, with a passion for helping customers improve plant efficiency and effectiveness using Phaidra’s AI control system.
• Adept at taking ownership of assigned customers and ensuring their satisfaction.
• Skilled in guiding internal and external teams through the configuration and installation of AI Agents, providing professional support, and nurturing customer relationships for growth and advocacy.
• Thrives in a process-driven environment while maintaining flexibility to tailor processes to unique customer needs.
• Enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver successful outcomes on complex projects.

Note: This role is posted at multiple levels (mid-level and senior). Final leveling, title, and compensation will be determined based on candidate experience.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Delivery: Own the complete delivery of complex, large-scale customer programs, including multi-site and customized deployments, ensuring success from kickoff through long-term support.
• Program Strategy & Planning: Define program strategy, timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and risk mitigation plans for concurrent initiatives, aligning with customer goals and company objectives.
• Customer-Facing Leadership: Serve as the primary customer-facing program leader and trusted advisor, guiding customers through technical and operational challenges and providing strategic recommendations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering and product teams to ensure customer solutions are configured correctly and delivered on time according to site-specific requirements.
• High-Complexity Engagement Management: Independently manage engagements, navigating ambiguity, prioritizing demands, and ensuring delivery against scope, schedule, and quality.
• Executive Communication: Lead executive-level communication, presenting complex technical concepts, program updates, and risks clearly and actionably.
• Process Improvement: Proactively identify program risks, inefficiencies, or gaps, and lead initiatives to improve delivery workflows, customer experience, and internal operations.
• Customer Strategy Influence: Shape customer strategy by aligning evolving needs with long-term product and company direction, providing feedback to inform product development.
• Best Practices: Establish and improve program management best practices, including documentation standards, onboarding, and delivery frameworks.
• Documentation Ownership: Own comprehensive program documentation, including project progress, customer decisions, technical requirements, and customer-facing materials.
• Internal Initiatives: Lead complex internal initiatives to enhance product capabilities, deployment methodologies, or operational tooling.
• Mentorship: Peer-mentor other TPMs on project execution and technical nuances; provide guidance to new hires.
• Methodology Adaptation: Apply appropriate project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid) based on program complexity and customer requirements.
• AI Tool Utilization: Strategically use AI tools to accelerate delivery, improve quality, and guide others in effective AI-assisted workflows.

Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical program or project management experience, with demonstrated ownership of complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Proven ability to independently lead large-scale, technically complex customer programs with high ambiguity.
• Strong experience working with enterprise customers and distributed, cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical, non-technical, and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, risk management, and program execution at scale.
• Ability to translate customer needs into structured requirements and influence product roadmaps.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following domains, with working proficiency across others:
• Data centers
• Industrial controls and automation systems
• HVAC and mission-critical cooling systems
• AI / Machine Learning applications in industrial environments
• Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, risk management).
• Strong documentation and organizational skills, with a focus on scalable processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Proven track record of driving process improvements and operational excellence.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical solution delivery involving engineering, research, and product teams.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members.
• Experience influencing product strategy through customer insights.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

Onboarding

• First 30 Days: Immersion in onboarding, product introduction, handbook review, customer call observation, tool familiarization, and meetings with Customer Success.
• First 60 Days: Solid understanding of Phaidra's delivery model, relationship building across teams, proficiency in processes and tools, learning customer support management, and assisting with documentation.
• First 90 Days: Full integration into Customer Success, managing own customers and projects, and contributing to process improvements.

General Interview Process

Interviews are conducted via Google Meet with active camera connection required.

1. Meeting with People Operations team member
2. Meeting with Hiring Manager
3. Meeting with Technical Program Manager team member
4. Meeting with Solutions Engineering team member
5. Culture fit interview with Phaidra’s co-founders

Base Salary Ranges

Senior Level

• United States Residents:
• Tier 1 (Largest highest-cost metros): $114,400 - $171,600 USD
• Tier 2 (Other major metros): $108,680 - $163,020 USD
• Tier 3 (Mid-sized metro areas): $102,960 - $154,440 USD
• Tier 4 (All other locations): $97,240 - $145,860 USD
• Canada Residents:
• Tier 1 (Vancouver): $119,715 - $179,573 CAD
• Tier 2 (Toronto): $111,343 - $167,600 CAD
• Tier 3 (Montreal): $95,776 - $143,665 CAD
• Tier 4 (Smaller cities / rural areas): $87,800 - $131,686 CAD

Mid-Level

• United States Residents:
• Tier 1 (Largest highest-cost metros): $90,400 - $135,600 USD
• Tier 2 (Other major metros): $85,880 - $128,820 USD
• Tier 3 (Mid-sized metro areas): $81,360 - $122,040 USD
• Tier 4 (All other locations): $76,840 - $115,260 USD
• Canada Residents:
• Tier 1 (Vancouver): $94,600 - $141,900 CAD
• Tier 2 (Toronto): $88,290 - $132,434 CAD
• Tier 3 (Montreal): $75,667 - $113,516 CAD
• Tier 4 (Smaller cities / rural areas): $69,371 - $104,056 CAD

In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for equity. Final salary is determined by qualifications, skills, experience, expertise, education, and location. Salary ranges are subject to change.

Benefits & Perks

• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment with direct impact on company direction.
• 100% remote company.
• Competitive compensation & meaningful equity.
• Outsized responsibilities & professional development opportunities.
• Foundational training, including functional, customer immersion, and development training.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (varies by region).
• Unlimited paid time off, with a minimum requirement of 20 days per year.
• Paid parental leave (varies by region).
• Flexible stipends for workspace, well-being, and professional development.
• Company MacBook.

On Being Remote

Phaidra embraces a thoughtful and intentional approach to remote collaboration, inspired by best practices. We are documentation-first, prioritize asynchronous communication for focus and flexibility, and stay connected through tools like Slack and video conferencing. Weekly all-hands meetings and virtual team-building events foster alignment and camaraderie.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Phaidra is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. If assistance is needed with the application process, please contact hiring@phaidra.ai.

E-Verify Notice

Phaidra participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for employees in the United States.