Great products don't ship themselves. Great programs do.
I'm Amanda Surya — a technical program management leader with 20+ years driving model and product launches across frontier AI, consumer devices, and cloud platforms. I currently lead TPM for AI research at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, where we shipped the largest open application of AI to protein biology. I write and speak about TPM as a leadership discipline.
Engineer by training, builder of teams by choice
I started my career as a software engineer, and I've never stopped thinking like one. But the hardest problems in technology aren't in the code — they're in the seams between teams, disciplines, and priorities. That's where I've built my career: from Google's early Developer Relations organization to Nest and Google Assistant, to building and scaling a global TPM organization for Wear OS and Pixel Watch, to leading AI research programs at the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.
I specialize in bridging the gap between strategic objectives and tactical execution, leading critical programs that shape organizational direction and deliver tangible results. I have a track record of driving strategic initiatives, scaling complex organizations, and delivering multiple successful 0→1 new product lines.
My core strengths are synthesizing diverse information into clear action plans, driving alignment among stakeholders, and managing large-scale technical programs from conception to completion. My recent focus is enabling teams to build AI models, large-scale datasets, and compute infrastructure that accelerate scientific discovery for human health — including the May 2026 open launch of the Biohub's world model of protein biology.
I'm passionate about building high-performing teams and enabling organizations to operate with greater efficiency, clarity, and purpose. My throughline: program management is not a support function — done well, it's how organizations turn ambiguity into momentum.
From developer platforms to devices to frontier AI
Director, Technical Program Management, AI Research
Leading technical program execution for frontier AI in biomedical research — from dataset procurement and distributed GPU training to open release — including the Virtual Cell and Virtual Immune System initiatives.
Sr Manager TPM & Chief of Staff — Wear OS · Pixel Watch · Android Health
Built and led a 25-person TPM organization, mobilizing a 600-person org across OS, SDK, and app layers — owning launch playbooks, release trains, 22-team app partnerships, and chief-of-staff operations.
Sr Manager, Technical Program Management — Google Assistant
Led Assistant's expansion to new device categories and international markets; Chief of Staff to a Senior Director supporting a 500+ person organization.
Head of Apps & Services Engineering Program Management
Led the EPM team for Nest's apps, cloud services, and developer platform — owning roadmap, release trains, and quality across the full stack.
Manager, Developer Relations — YouTube · Google Wallet · Google TV · Maps · Android
Early member of Google Developer Relations; launched key APIs, developer portals, and worldwide developer communities, with partnerships including Uber and Expedia.
Bank of America · AT&T · USWeb/CKS
A decade as an engineer and engineering leader building large-scale systems in complex, regulated environments.
Perspectives on technical leadership
Why the age of AI needs TPMs more, not less
AI is automating the artifacts of program management — and making its judgment scarcer and more valuable. What changes when the thing you're shipping is a model.
Read article → Program ManagementTPM is a leadership discipline, not a support function
The best technical program managers don't just track the work — they shape what gets built, and why. How to reposition TPM from coordination to leadership.
Read article → ExecutionWhat shipping a smartwatch taught me about cross-functional execution
Hardware deadlines don't move. Lessons from Pixel Watch and Wear OS on aligning hardware, software, health science, and regulators on one ship date.
Read article → AI for ScienceFrom consumer tech to curing disease: why TPMs belong in science
Research moves differently than product. What consumer-tech operating discipline can — and can't — offer mission-driven scientific organizations.
Read article →Let's build better technical leaders
Speaking & panels
I speak on technical program management, launching frontier AI models, cross-functional leadership, and career paths for technical women. Past appearances include Google I/O and Google developer events worldwide, and I co-authored Building Web Apps for Google TV for O'Reilly Media.
Mentoring
I co-founded Women Techmakers, Google's global initiative for women in technology, and continue to mentor TPMs, engineering leaders, and early-career technologists — with a particular commitment to advancing women and underrepresented groups in technical leadership.
Advising
I advise teams and organizations standing up or scaling program management functions — from first-TPM hires to launch playbooks, release trains, and org design for AI research and product execution at scale.
Get in touch
For speaking invitations, mentoring, advising, or just to compare notes on program leadership — I'd love to hear from you.