Technical Program Manager, New Product Introduction

About the role

The Technical Program Manager for the New Product Introduction team is responsible for taking a product design change from concept to high‑volume manufacturing, including everything in between. During major build events, they act as the glue that manages the entire operational parameter—from kickoff and track readiness to execution—by leading cross‑functional teams composed of Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain. This high‑impact role also facilitates problem solving from issue definition, root‑cause analysis, containment, preventative action, implementation, and feedback. No problem is too big or small. Persistence, attention to detail, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to build strong relationships are key.

Responsibilities

• Drive all new products or programs’ introduction into the factory/factories (from program scope, product definition, MBOM creation, supply chain readiness, to implementation).
• Plan, organize, and orchestrate all pre‑launch build activities including slow builds, part trials, design iterations, DV/PV validation, and PPA.
• Scale mass production with high reliability, repeatability, and robustness targets to hit aggressive production‑ramp schedules with operation teams.
• Approve design changes by reviewing engineering drawings (2D drawings and CAD) and engineering data (strength of materials, NVH, heat transfer, vehicle integration, and design‑tolerance stack‑up).
• Manage significant sample‑size part trials with associates, technicians, and engineers and define KPI metrics of success (safety, quality, OEE, production targets).
• Oversee complete manufacturing validation for the program—drive supply‑chain readiness, handover from launch planning to production planning, organize and oversee factory transition, and follow up on excess/obsolescence planning and post‑program/service introduction activities.
• Participate in and lead various cross‑functional program and manufacturing‑readiness forums; provide concise updates on status, action plans, and recovery plans at both working and executive levels.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of multidiscipline (mechanical, electrical, and industrial) engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to implement engineering first principles in problem‑solving methodology.
• Strong preference for prior automotive engineering background.
• Agility to de‑prioritize and prioritize based on program milestones and deliverables.
• Capability to lead with high ambiguity and undefined scope.
• Effective cross‑functional communication throughout the horizontal and vertical organization.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Medical plans with $0 payroll‑deduction options.
• Family‑building, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans with $0 paycheck‑contribution options.
• Company‑paid Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution when enrolled in the high‑deductible medical plan.
• 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 salaried positions, accrued hours for hourly positions) and paid holidays.
• Backup childcare and parenting support resources.
• Voluntary benefits including 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.