Application Guide
How to Apply for Sr. Technical Program Manager, Hardware & Manufacturing
at Serve Robotics
🏢 About Serve Robotics
Serve Robotics is at the forefront of sustainable, autonomous delivery, deploying sidewalk robots in major cities to transform last-mile logistics. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that values collaboration and innovation, with a tangible impact on urban congestion and emissions.
About This Role
As a Sr. TPM for Hardware & Manufacturing, you'll orchestrate complex projects spanning mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines, ensuring seamless integration from design to deployment. Your work directly enables the scaling of our robot fleet, making reliable, efficient delivery a reality in more communities.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by reviewing program milestones with engineering leads, then dive into a manufacturing readiness review with ops. Afternoons could involve resolving a supply chain issue or coordinating a test plan with the hardware team, all while tracking progress via dashboards and communicating updates to stakeholders.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Serve Robotics Is Looking For
- Proven track record in technical program management within hardware and manufacturing environments, ideally in robotics or autonomous systems.
- Deep understanding of the product lifecycle from concept through mass production, including DFx, test strategy, and supply chain coordination.
- Exceptional cross-functional leadership, able to align diverse teams (mechanical, electrical, embedded, operations) toward common goals.
- Data-driven problem solver with experience in agile methodologies and risk management, comfortable in a fast-paced startup culture.
📝 Tips for Applying to Serve Robotics
Tailor your resume to highlight hardware-specific TPM achievements, quantifying impact (e.g., reduced cycle time, cost savings).
Showcase your experience with both hardware and software integration, as this role bridges the two domains.
Mention any robotics or autonomous vehicle experience, even if tangential, to demonstrate domain interest.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past projects to Serve's mission of sustainable delivery.
Research Serve's current deployments and technology; reference them in your application to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your ability to manage complex hardware programs from concept to production, with examples of successful launches.', 'Experience in manufacturing test development and scaling production, directly relevant to expanding the fleet.', 'Your collaborative leadership style, aligning diverse technical teams toward a common vision.', "Passion for sustainable urban mobility and how your skills can help achieve Serve's goal of ubiquitous delivery."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Understand Serve's robot design and technology stack (sensors, compute, autonomy).
- → Read about their commercial deployments in cities like LA and Miami to grasp operational challenges.
- → Research their manufacturing partners and production strategy.
- → Look into recent news about Serve's funding, expansion, and partnerships.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on software TPM experience without emphasizing hardware or manufacturing.
- Using a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Serve's mission or technology.
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the specific challenges of scaling a hardware product in a startup environment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Serve Robotics!