About Tacit
We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life.
About the role
We are looking for a Strategic Partnership Manager to manage day-to-day execution across Tacit's hardware integration partnerships. You'll own the relationship between our engineering team and partners tracking scope and milestones, flagging risks before they compound, and translating technical progress into business clarity for both sides. You're the connective tissue between our team and theirs, keeping everyone aligned on deliverables, timelines, and evolving commercial terms. The role is a launchpad into PM, BD, program management, or GTM leadership depending on which direction makes most sense for the overall business and individual interests.
What you'll do
Own day-to-day relationship with hardware partners across multi-phase development cycles
Serve as primary liaison between the engineering team, TPM, technical and BD counterparts at partners, and leadership
Track all development scope milestones, flag risks early, and drive resolution across both sides
Build and maintain project timelines, status reports, and executive updates for internal leadership and partner stakeholders
Prepare partner-facing decks, meeting materials, and progress summaries for recurring syncs and milestone reviews
Translate technical progress into clear business updates for non-technical audiences on both sides
Liaise with IP team / Patent lawyer to ensure thoroughness on provisionals (keep leadership looped)
Ensure partner satisfaction by maintaining clear communication loops, managing expectations, and escalating blockers appropriately
Support commercial conversations by documenting scope changes, deliverable sign-offs, and any terms that evolve during development
Requirements
3–6 years in a role built on structured thinking and stakeholder management such as consulting, VC/PE/growth equity, partnerships, or program management.
A track record of coordinating across diverse stakeholders (founders, investors, partners, internal teams)
Excellent written and verbal communication. High EQ, fast to build trust, and skilled at hard conversations. You can hold the line and say "no" diplomatically
Structured and organized thinking. You can build frameworks, prioritize ruthlessly, and keep timelines and stakeholders on track.
Technically curious and a fast study. You'll ramp on hardware nuances and translate technical progress into business clarity
Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment where scope, priorities, and processes are still taking shape.
High discretion with sensitive relationships and confidential information.
Strong candidates may have
Exposure to hardware, consumer, or other deeptech environments
Experience negotiating commercial or contract conversations
Familiarity with IP processes, or working alongside legal counsel
Experience at an early-stage startup
Direct technical BD or partnerships experience.
Compensation Range
$150,000 - $180,000/year
Benefits
Competitive equity package
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company size: 20-30 people
Unlimited PTO
Visa sponsorship
3% 401k matching