Strategic Project Lead

Position Type: Full-time (FTE)
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA (Onsite)
Salary Range: Base $140,000–$180,000 annually + performance-based bonus + equity
Job ID#: 176840
Contact: [email protected]

Job Description:
As a Strategic Project Lead, you will serve as the primary technical and delivery partner for leading researchers and engineering teams at frontier AI and robotics organizations. You will understand each customer's research objectives, translate them into concrete engineering and data-collection requirements, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality results. This is not a traditional Customer Success or Forward-Deployed Engineer role. Instead, you will own the full lifecycle of complex technical programs—from initial requirement discovery and solution design through execution, quality control, and final delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Partner directly with researchers and engineering leaders at leading AI and robotics organizations.

• Understand customer research goals and translate ambiguous requirements into clear technical specifications, project plans, and delivery milestones.

• Lead complex Physical AI data-collection programs involving hardware, robotics systems, operations, and data-quality workflows.

• Coordinate across research, engineering, hardware, data operations, and quality teams to drive execution.

• Define project scope, success metrics, timelines, resource requirements, and risk-mitigation plans.

• Identify technical or operational blockers early and work with internal teams to resolve them.

• Maintain high standards for data quality, system reliability, delivery speed, and customer satisfaction.

• Communicate progress, tradeoffs, risks, and technical decisions clearly to both customer and internal stakeholders.

• Build repeatable delivery processes as the company expands across customers and programs.

• Help shape the Strategic Project Lead function and operating model as an early member of the team.

Requirements:

• Strong engineering background in robotics, machine learning, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience leading complex technical projects involving hardware, robotics, AI systems, data collection, or real-world deployment.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese is required, with the ability to seamlessly communicate complex technical concepts, manage expectations, and build trusted relationships with both domestic and international stakeholders/teams.

• Ability to communicate effectively with researchers and engineers working on advanced AI or robotics systems.

• Strong customer-facing skills with the ability to uncover underlying needs, manage expectations, and build trusted relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to translate open-ended technical problems into structured execution plans.

• Excellent project-management skills across multiple stakeholders, dependencies, and timelines.

• High ownership, sound judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving startup environment.

• Comfortable moving between technical discussions, customer communication, project planning, and hands-on problem-solving.

Preferred:

• Experience in Physical AI, robotics, autonomous systems, world models, embodied AI, or multimodal data.

• Background in technical program management, solutions engineering, or research operations.

About Us:
Founded in 2009, IntelliPro is a global leader in talent acquisition and HR solutions. Our commitment to delivering dynamic and client-centric service enhances our dedication to people, providing the best solutions and building enduring partnerships that set us apart. With a dynamic presence in the USA, China, Canada, Singapore, Philippines, UK, India, Netherlands, and Germany, we continue leading global talent solutions.

IntelliPro, a global leader connecting individuals with rewarding employment opportunities, is dedicated to understanding your career aspirations. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, IntelliPro values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected group status. Moreover, our Inclusivity Commitment emphasizes embracing candidates of all abilities and ensures that our teams and clients are representative of the world where we work and live. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusivity at https://intellipro.com/intellipro/

Compensation:
The pay offered to a successful candidate will be determined by various factors, including education, work experience, location, job responsibilities, certifications, and more. The base salary range for this position is $140,000 – $180,000 annually, plus a potential performance-based year-end bonus ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. In addition, equity compensation is indicated at $150,000 – $250,000 annually with a four-year vesting schedule (grant structure to be confirmed).

Additionally, IntelliPro provides a comprehensive benefits package, all subject to eligibility.