Technical Lead Manager - Fleet Connect

JOB SUMMARY

Apptronik is seeking a full-stack Technical Lead Manager to lead the technical direction and delivery of the Interface team within Fleet Connect. In this role, you will guide the design and execution of the software systems that connect Apollo to customer workflows, operational dashboards, and enterprise infrastructure. You will combine hands-on development with technical leadership, partnering closely with product, applications, hardware, systems, and UX teams to deliver reliable, scalable software into live production environments. Your work will shape both the architecture of the Interface platform and the engineering practices that enable the team to execute effectively.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Technical Leadership: Set the architectural direction for the Interface platform; review designs and code, establish engineering standards, and guide implementation across frontend, backend, and integration layers.
• Execution Leadership: Partner with product and program stakeholders to translate roadmap priorities into executable plans, unblock delivery risks, and ensure the team ships high-quality software on a predictable cadence.
• Team Development: Mentor engineers through design reviews, technical coaching, and structured feedback, helping raise the team’s technical depth and execution quality.
• Full-Stack Development: Contribute directly to the development of operator-facing web applications and backend services that support fleet management, robot monitoring, and production operations.
• API and Integration Design: Architect and build REST APIs and gRPC services that interface with the robotics platform, customer WMS and ERP systems, and internal data pipelines.
• Industrial Automation: Lead integration efforts with customer automation systems including PLCs, hardware safety systems, and messaging infrastructure used in live production facilities.
• Reliability and Quality: Own software quality across the Interface product by driving test strategy, observability, maintainability, and operational readiness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with UI/UX, systems, hardware, applications, product, and deployment teams to deliver features that satisfy system-wide requirements and customer needs.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Programming: Expert-level proficiency in Python and TypeScript; experience with C++ is a plus.
• Frontend: Strong track record with React or equivalent modern frontend frameworks, including component-based architecture and state management patterns.
• Backend: Demonstrated expertise designing REST APIs, microservices, and gRPC or Protocol Buffers based services for distributed systems.
• Industrial Protocols: Hands-on experience with OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, or Modbus TCP for PLC and safety-system integration.
• Enterprise Integration: Experience interfacing with REST APIs, MQTT, AMQP, or Kafka for WMS, ERP, or adjacent enterprise workflows.
• Infrastructure: Familiarity with cloud platforms, Kubernetes, Docker, and the operational considerations of deploying software into production environments.
• Leadership: Proven experience leading small engineering teams or owning technical direction for a product area while remaining hands-on.
• Version Control: Demonstrated competence with Git and distributed development workflows.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with fleet management, task allocation, or multi-robot coordination systems.
• Prior experience in a Tech Lead, Staff Engineer, or equivalent capacity in robotics, automation, logistics, or industrial software.
• Experience partnering closely with UI/UX teams and incorporating user feedback into product decisions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8-10+ years of professional, full-time experience building and shipping production software systems, including significant full-stack or distributed systems work.
• 2+ years leading technical direction for a team or product area.
• Experience deploying software into robotics, automation, logistics, or other operationally complex environments is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate