About the role
About OLIX AI is growing faster than any technology in history and the explosion in demand has created a massive infrastructure gap; we can no longer build chips or power stations fast enough to keep up. The industry is still leaning on a ten-year-old hardware blueprint that has reached its limit. A new paradigm that is faster and more efficient will be the biggest economic opportunity of the next century and create the most important company of the next decade. OLIX is building this next paradigm; the Optical Tensor Processing Unit (OTPU) achieves performance and energy efficiency that is impossible to match from existing chips. The Role We are hiring a Director of Program Management to own and scale Olix's end-to-end technical program execution across hardware, software, optics and manufacturing—setting the structure, aligning teams, and driving critical programs from R&D through to on-time mass manufactured product delivery. As Director of Technical Program Management, you will design and run the structure within which Olix ships product. You’ll partner closely with engineering and product leadership to drive strategy, build world-class processes, and lead a growing team of Technical Program Managers. You’ll take ownership of cross-functional delivery at scale, ensuring flawless execution across multiple, interdependent programs critical to Olix's roadmap. Responsibilities Strategic & Organisational Leadership Define and drive the program management strategy that, as Olix transitions from research-led R&D to full-scale manufacturing and first customer deployments, underpins our end-to-end technical execution. Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of TPMs, fostering a culture of ownership, clarity, and operational excellence. Partner with engineering, product, and operations leadership to ensure alignment, prioritisation, and resourcing across all programs. Program Delivery & Execution Own the delivery of complex, multi-team, multi-phase technical programs from inception through production, ensuring alignment with company-level objectives. Drive Olix's core values of velocity and simplicity across the organisation—removing complexity, unblocking teams, and accelerating execution. Establish frameworks and processes that scale with Olix's rapid growth while maintaining high velocity. Operational Excellence Develop and maintain detailed program plans, execution frameworks, critical paths, and long-term roadmaps. Lead cross-functional program reviews, ensuring transparency, accountability, and clarity of priorities at all levels. Identify risks early and implement long-range mitigation strategies, ensuring resilience in delivery plans. Provide frequent updates and executive-level reporting to leadership, enabling rapid, informed decision-making. Skills & Experience Proven track record of delivering highly complex, cross-functional engineering programs at scale. 10+ years of experience across hardware engineering and program management, including leadership roles within hardware, semiconductor, systems engineering, or AI-driven product environments. Experience building and leading TPM teams in high-growth and fast-moving technology companies. Deep understanding of engineering processes across hardware, software, and embedded systems. Demonstrated ability to drive velocity, optimise processes, and reduce organisational friction without compromising quality. Expert project and program management skills, with strong familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools (JIRA, Confluence, etc.). Outstanding communication and leadership abilities, capable of influencing at all levels, including executives. Compensation & Equity Competitive Salary: £195,000+, commensurate with your experience, skills, and location. Equity & Ownership: Meaningful stock options. You’re not just joining the mission; you’re owning a piece of it. Proximity Bonus: We value your time. To minimise your commute and maximise your life, we offer a £24k annual Living-Local Bonus if your residence is within 20 minutes of the office. Time Off Time Off: 25 days + Bank Holidays The Workspace & Tech M4 Macs come as standard, with M4 Pro upgrades for our engineering team. We will provide whatever you need to do your best work. High-spec noise-cancelling headphones and a fully ergonomic workstation designed for deep focus. Rapid Prototyping: Access to our high-performance 3D printing lab for work, experimentation, and personal creative projects. Life at the Office Chef-prepared meals: if you need to work late. Relocation & Global Mobility Visa Sponsorship: We hire the best in the world. We offer full UK and international visa sponsorship. Seamless Relocation: Whether you’re moving across the country or across the globe, our dedicated relocation partner provides funding and concierge support to get you settled. Due to U.S. export control regulations, candidates’ eligibility to work at Olix depends on their most recent citizenship or permanent residency status. We are generally unable to consider applicants whose most recent citizenship or permanent residence is in certain restricted countries (currently including Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Venezuela). Applicants who have subsequently obtained citizenship or permanent residency in another country not subject to these restrictions may still be eligible.