Fractional Technical Program Manager (Robotics & Automation)

Role overview

Svitla Systems Inc. is seeking a Fractional Technical Program Manager (Robotics & Automation) to lead the evaluation and rollout of robotics across casino and hotel operations for our client, a California-based hospitality and gaming company.

Our client is partnering with a robotics vendor to deploy a fleet of robots that will support day-to-day operations, from moving table setups to the casino floor and delivering food from kitchens to service stations, to transporting beverage supplies during large events and supporting hotel services such as in-room dining and linen delivery.

In this role, you’ll act as the bridge between the business, internal stakeholders, and the robotics vendor. You’ll gather business requirements, lead proof-of-concept initiatives, build cost and ROI models, and help leadership decide whether investing in a larger robotics fleet is operationally and financially justified. The internal team doesn’t have the bandwidth to dedicate someone to this initiative, so we’re looking for a self-starter who can take full ownership and drive it forward with minimal oversight.

Location: California, US (California residency required)

Requirements

• California residency, with the ability to provide proof of residency (California ID card).

• Background as a Technical Program Manager (TPM), Business Systems Analyst (BSA), or in a similar role, working with business stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and expand technology use cases.

• Experience leading AI, data, automation, or emerging technology initiatives from concept through production.

• Strong business acumen and executive presence, with the confidence to engage the CIO, C-suite, board members, and operational leaders.

• Ability to translate robotics, AI, and automation capabilities into clear business outcomes, ROI, and operational value.

• Hands-on experience building cost models, evaluating ROI, and assessing the operational impact of automation initiatives.

• Strong operational awareness: understanding of frontline operations, workflows, labor considerations, and what actually happens on the floor.

• Excellent product storytelling and executive communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Startup mentality, with the ability to provide guidance across product, operations, and business initiatives.

• Proven ability to act as a liaison between business teams, internal stakeholders, and external technology vendors.

• Will be a plus

• Full lifecycle ownership of initiatives from startup and proof of concept through pilot and commercialization.

• Understanding of AI, inference engines, and automation technologies.

• Experience in hospitality, gaming, or other operations-heavy industries.

• Consulting background and the ability to learn new business areas quickly.

• Strong logic and critical thinking skills focused on reducing manual intervention and driving operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the robotics vendor and internal stakeholders to gather business requirements and define priorities.

• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives and pilots before broader deployment.

• Evaluate use cases and determine where robotics makes sense and where it does not.

• Define best practices for robotics adoption across casino and hotel operations.

• Develop the strategy, business case, and roadmap for scaling robotics.

• Build cost models and ROI analyses to support investment decisions on a larger robotics fleet.

• Present findings and recommendations to the CIO, C-suite, and board members.

• Work closely with operational leaders to understand frontline workflows, labor impact, and practical constraints.

• Identify, prioritize, and expand new robotics use cases across the business.

• We offer

• US and EU projects based on advanced technologies.

• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience.

• Flexibility in workspace, either remote or our welcoming office.

• Bonuses for article writing, public talks, and other activities.

• Free tech webinars and meetups organized by Svitla.

• Regular corporate online activities.

• Awesome team, friendly and supportive community!

• Why join Svitla

• Svitla Systems is a global digital solutions company headquartered in the U.S. and operating across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and APAC. Since 2003, we have served a wide range of clients - from innovative start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Our success is built on partnership. By integrating seamlessly with clients' teams, we create lasting collaborations that drive real results. We are strong advocates of workplace flexibility, remote culture, individual approach to professional and personal growth.

• Our global mission is to build a business that contributes to wellbeing of our partners, personnel, and their families, improves our communities, and makes a lasting difference in the world. Together, we are coding a brighter tomorrow - and living it.

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