Program Manager - Physical AI

Headquartered in Montreal and Berlin, Vention helps manufacturers automate their operations in record time with the only hardware and software AI-powered platform built for the factory floor. Our technology powers over 25,000 machines across 4,000 factories across 5 continents and we have the privilege to work with a significant proportion of Fortune 500 manufacturers, from space rockets, to electrical cars, to robotics.

At Vention, you’ll work alongside driven and talented people who care deeply about their craft and the impact they create. We’re a team of high achievers who grow through meaningful work, solving complex challenges, learning fast, and seeing the results of our efforts every day.

We move quickly and aim high, but we do it together with care, collaboration, and respect. Our culture celebrates diverse perspectives and supports your growth through intentional development, strong leadership, and opportunities to make a real difference.

Vention's Physical AI team is building next-generation machine intelligence for industrial automation. As Program Manager, you own the integration of those capabilities into hardware products — bridging Physical AI and Hardware Product Managers, validating that technology under development meets product requirements, and keeping both Agile software sprints and hardware stage-gate milestones in sync.

Responsibilities

• Own the integration roadmap from Physical AI capabilities to hardware products; validate technology readiness before hardware commit points
• Align Physical AI PMs and Hardware PMs on shared vision, scope, and sequencing — actively resolving competing priorities
• Challenge whether Physical AI technology under development meets the functional, performance, and reliability requirements of hardware products; escalate gaps early
• Build and maintain integrated timelines spanning Agile (sprint-based) software cycles and Waterfall (stage-gate) hardware programs; surface critical path risks continuously
• Translate technical uncertainty into clear milestone commitments and risk-adjusted delivery plans for leadership
• Lead weekly program reviews and sprint ceremonies; drive decisions, remove blockers, own next steps
• Manage full launch readiness: reliability testing, certification, documentation, production readiness, packaging, and handoffs to operations

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related)
• 5+ years in program or technical project management for complex hardware/software integrated products
• Proven ability to run hybrid Agile + Waterfall programs concurrently
• Experience collaborating across Product Management, Hardware Engineering, and Software/AI teams
• Strong risk management mindset; able to build contingency plans and drive decisions under uncertainty
• Comfortable challenging engineering assumptions and holding teams accountable to product requirements
• Nice to have: Experience in robotics, industrial automation, or AI/ML product development

What We Offer

• Career pathing: Real opportunities to grow through personalized development plans, bi-annual employee reviews, and mentorship program 
• Professional development: Continuous training in performance management, inclusive leadership, leadership operating model, team building, and giving/receiving feedback
• Gender diversity & inclusion: Pay equity reviews, inclusive policies, and a Women’s Employee Resource Group offering networking, mentorship, and quarterly learning sessions.
• Hybrid work: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid model, allowing you to work from home on select days.
• Community engagement: Two paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes you care about.
• Central location: Regular team gatherings and a collaborative office space in the heart of Montreal, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
• Team events: All year round employee events including annual kick-off, employee summit, quarterly happy hours, and department events.
• Comprehensive benefits: A complete group benefits plan for you and your family that start day one.
• Top-up and benefits for new parents: Additional financial support and resources to support employees during their transition to parenthood.

What to Expect in Your Interview

• Initial Call
• Meet the Team
• Case or take-home interview
• Decision & Offer

We’re committed to making every step of the process inclusive and accessible. If you require accommodations at any stage, please let us know, we’ll ensure you have what you need to succeed.

Professional Growth & Development

Vention believes strongly in promotion from within. For this reason, we structured a comprehensive professional development program that elevate high-performing individuals who deeply understand the inner workings of Vention. This program encompasses:

• In-house coaching program with former industry executives working with small cohort of emerging leaders
• Quarterly management training on topics ranging from “Giving & Receiving Feedback, to Building high-performing teams, to "Developing your own Leadership model”
• Quarterly World-Class Speaker Series featuring industry leaders sharing their perspective and lessons learned as they build their function and business
• Dedicated professional development channels sponsored by the Executive team to foster continuous professional learning
• Book allocation program to further your knowledge in your domain of expertise or any business leadership topics

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Vention

When you join Vention, you join a team of professionals with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs, feels valued, and can achieve extraordinary results.

We celebrate differences in ideas, in experiences, and in people. Our initiatives in gender equity, career growth, and leadership development are designed to create real opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Vention’s culture

Vention is an uplifting environment for high achievers. Thinking that Vention’s culture would keep you energized? See our full culture guide here.