Sr. Technical Program Manager, New Product Introduction Jobs in Austin, TX at Tesla
Title: Sr. Technical Program Manager, New Product Introduction
Company: Tesla
Location: Austin, TX
What To Expect
The Sr. Technical Program Manager for the New Product Introduction team plays a pivotal role in guiding product design changes from initial concept through to high-volume manufacturing. As the central coordinator during major build events, you will lead cross-functional teams—including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain—to ensure seamless execution, readiness, and problem resolution. This high-impact position demands strategic persistence, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while building strong stakeholder relationships. You will champion first-principles problem-solving to mitigate risks and accelerate ramps, contributing to the company's mission of scalable, robust production, and sustainable abundance.
What You'll Do
As a Staff TPM, you will own end-to-end manufacturing program execution for an entire vehicle platform, from design release through SOP and volume ramp. You are the single point of accountability across every shop on: Stamping, Castings, Body, Paint, Battery, Drive Unit, Closures, General Assembly, and End-of-Line
Own the platform-level NPI plan — integrate every shop's build matrix, trial calendar, tooling readiness, part maturity, and ramp curve into one coherent vehicle program
Drive the full lifecycle of new products or programs into factory production, from program scoping and product definition to MBOM (Manufacturing Bill of Materials) creation, supply chain readiness, and implementation
Plan, organize, and orchestrate pre-launch build activities, including slow builds, part trials, design iterations, DV/PV (Design/Pilot Vehicle) validation, and PPA (Process Planning Approval). Scale mass production to achieve high reliability, repeatability, and robustness, aligning with aggressive production ramp schedules in partnership with operations teams
Approve design changes by rigorously reviewing engineering drawings (2D and CAD), engineering data (e.g., strength of materials, NVH, heat transfer, vehicle integration), and design tolerance stack-ups
Manage large-scale sample part trials with associates, technicians, and engineers, defining and tracking KPI metrics for success (e.g., Safety, Quality, OEE, Production Targets)
Oversee comprehensive manufacturing validation for programs, including driving supply chain readiness, transitioning from launch to production planning, organizing factory handovers, and handling excess/obsolescence planning along with post-program service introduction
Lead and participate in cross-functional Program and Manufacturing Readiness forums, delivering concise, actionable updates on status, recovery plans, and executive-level insights
Own ramp readiness end-to-end — gate criteria for each build phase, exit criteria for ramp, inflection points, and the call on whether the platform is ready to step rate. Mentor the per-shop TPMs and Sr. TPMs assigned to your platform; raise the bar on program management craft across the NPI org
Interface directly with VPs and Directors across Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain and brief the program at the executive level. Facilitate end-to-end problem-solving, from issue identification and root cause analysis to containment, preventive actions, implementation, and feedback loops—addressing challenges of any scale with a first-principles approach
What You'll Bring
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master's Degree preferred
10+ years of experience in technical program management, product introduction/launch, or manufacturing engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior or lead role within automotive, aerospace, or high-volume hardware environments
Strong foundational knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering principles (Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial)
Proven ability to apply first-principles engineering methodologies to complex problem-solving
Prior automotive engineering background strongly preferred, with hands-on experience in design reviews, validation processes, and production scaling
Demonstrated agility in prioritizing/de-prioritizing tasks based on program milestones and deliverables
Exceptional capability to lead initiatives in high-ambiguity environments with undefined scopes, driving clarity and outcomes
Outstanding cross-functional communication skills, adept at engaging horizontal and vertical stakeholders at all levels, from working teams to executives
Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
Tesla Babies program
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program
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