Technical Program Manager, Distributed Systems

Rapyuta Robotics builds connected, intelligent robots that make tough, repetitive work safer and more productive. We lead Japan’s pick-assist AMR market and recently launched rapyuta ASRS, a next-gen Autonomous Storage & Retrieval System you’ll partner on closely (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL5peNhndyo ). Backed by award-winning technology, a strong customer base, and Goldman Sachs, we’re scaling the future of robotics.

Role overview

You will drive cross-functional execution across distributed, multi-robot systems—aligning software, robotics systems, and product stakeholders to deliver reliable, high-impact features at pace. You’ll own the backlog, orchestrate planning and reviews, and create the conditions for teams to do their best work.

What you’ll do

• Lead a cross-functional group of robotics systems and software engineers working on multi-robot control, coordination, and related distributed systems domains.
• Align roadmaps with product objectives by partnering daily with product managers, logistics consultants, business analysts, and operations research scientists.
• Own the group backlog: write and refine user stories, prioritize for value, and maintain crisp, testable acceptance criteria.
• Run effective cadence: planning, iteration goal-setting, reviews/demos, and retrospectives that drive measurable improvement.
• Clarify requirements and unblock execution through tight feedback loops with engineering; validate outcomes against business objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement in processes, quality, reliability, and team learning.

Mindset we value

• Purpose-driven, with a strong connection to our mission of empowering lives with connected machines.
• Values-led; you model empathy, openness, simplicity, fearlessness, drive, and first-principles thinking in decisions and interactions.
• Calm, service-oriented leadership—steady under pressure, collaborative, and focused on elevating the team.

Minimum qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2+ years leading technical programs or projects in a commercial environment (software, robotics, or distributed systems).
• Demonstrated skill in backlog ownership, cross-functional facilitation, and outcome-oriented delivery.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Ability and willingness to work from our Tokyo office; visa sponsorship available.

Nice to have

• Background in distributed systems, realtime coordination, or large-scale orchestration (e.g., multi-agent systems, ROS2, event-driven services).
• Experience in warehousing, logistics, or industrial automation.
• Data-informed decision-making (experiments, telemetry, reliability metrics).