Program Manager, AlphaLab Gear / Robotics Factory Accelerate - Innovation Works, Inc.

Innovation Works, Inc.
Job Description
Program Manager, AlphaLab Gear / Robotics Factory Accelerate

Overview of Position

The Program Manager, AlphaLab Gear & Robotics Factory Accelerate, leads the execution of the region’s most impactful early-stage accelerator program for hardware, robotics, and manufacturing startups. This role is responsible for managing the AlphaLab Gear and Robotics Factory tracks within AlphaLab, focusing on supporting founders as they navigate the earliest and most challenging stages of bringing a hardware or robotics company to life.

The Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for the AlphaLab Gear and Robotics Factory Accelerate tracks within AlphaLab, representing it to founders, mentors, and the wider hardware and robotics ecosystem. This individual oversees day-to-day operations, leads the application and selection process, and works hands-on with early-stage entrepreneurs tackling complex engineering, manufacturing, and market-entry challenges. 

This is a highly visible and mission‑driven role, ideal for someone with firsthand founder experience—or deep experience working with early‑stage hardware and robotics startups—who is passionate about guiding entrepreneurs through the ambiguity, constraints, and opportunities of starting a company from scratch. It’s a role that benefits from a strong product management mindset, as managing an accelerator is much like managing a product: understanding customer needs, prioritizing features, and delivering outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Lead the AlphaLab Gear / Robotics Factory Accelerate application and selection process, including recruitment, application review, interviews, and final selection.
• Design and run a compelling, founder-focused program tailored to hardware, robotics, and manufacturing startups, covering customer discovery, engineering milestones, manufacturing pathways, supply chain planning, early product development, and fundraising.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all participating companies, conducting bi‑weekly 1:1 meetings and providing hands-on tactical support across a range of hardware and robotics challenges.
• Drive the execution of program milestones and ensure the completion of key deliverables such as founder surveys, site visits, and state or stakeholder reporting.

Partner & Ecosystem Engagement

• Manage the partnership with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN), ensuring founders can access mentors, suppliers, manufacturers, and other critical resources within the hardware and robotics sector.
• Connect founders with advisors, investors, and potential customers across the local and national hardware and robotics ecosystems.
• Represent AlphaLab Gear and the Robotics Factory at relevant events, panels, and community activities to build visibility and support for the program and its founders.
   

Internal Collaboration

• Coordinate with the broader AlphaLab and Innovation Works teams to ensure alignment across all accelerator tracks.
• Support investment and due diligence processes in collaboration with legal counsel and the investment committee.
• Partner with marketing, platform, and operations teams to deliver a seamless, high‑impact founder experience.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related technical field is a plus.
• 5–10+ years of professional experience, ideally including firsthand founder experience or meaningful time supporting early‑stage hardware or robotics ventures.
• Deep understanding of the unique challenges of starting a hardware or robotics company, from finding product‑market fit and engineering constraints to navigating supply chains and manufacturing.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with an ability to lead independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a direct, transparent, and empathetic communication style.
• Proficiency with tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, Calendly, Salesforce, and virtual communication platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct founder experience in hardware or robotics.
• Experience working in an accelerator, venture fund, or innovation program.
• Strong network within the hardware, robotics, or manufacturing ecosystem, both locally and nationally.
• Passion for supporting entrepreneurs and building a strong hardware and robotics community.
• Prior experience in a Product Management role or demonstrated ability to guide early‑stage teams through the process of translating engineering milestones into viable products.

Innovation Works is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We value individual dignity, respect the rights of every person, and uphold a workplace environment built on fairness, personal responsibility, and equal opportunity for all.