Staff Technical Program Manager

About Us Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. Role Summary The Staff Technical Program Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning and execution of complex software programs, from embedded systems to cloud services. This role serves as the nexus between software engineering, product management, and other technical partners. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical knowledge of the software development lifecycle and excels at creating and managing integrated schedules, unblocking engineering teams, and delivering high-quality, scalable software on time. Responsibilities Drive the execution of full-stack software programs, creating and maintaining technical schedules, priorities, and roadmaps. Lead planning and end-to-end integration of ECU HW and SW on various different test assets, ensuring testing aligns with program milestones and quality standards. Drive continuous improvements in integration workflows, SW feature maturation process and test processes by implementing best practices to optimize efficiency and quality of deliverables Collaborate with engineering and product leaders to ensure technical designs are properly evaluated for feasibility, scalability, and quality. Lead teams using Agile methodologies, facilitating sprint planning, managing dependencies, and rigorously prioritizing work to remove obstacles. Serve as the primary technical point of contact, expertly managing stakeholder expectations and communicating program status, risks, and trade-offs. Sponsor and refine software development best practices, including continuous integration and delivery (CI / CD), to increase development velocity. Proactively identify potential risks to software delivery timelines or quality, implement mitigation strategies, and escalate concerns as needed. Mentor and provide technical guidance to other Technical Program Managers. Qualifications Bachelor's or master’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. 8+ years of progressive Technical or Engineering Program Management experience, with a strong track record in software delivery for complex, integrated software-hardware products. Experience with Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Systems Engineering principles. Deep understanding of software development lifecycles, architectures for embedded (Linux / Android) and cloud-based systems, and modern communication protocols. Expertise in Agile development processes and program management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence). Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional engineering teams. Understanding of hardware / software bring-up of distributed systems, managing project dependencies, and negotiating parallel activities to optimize project execution. Proven track record with software development project planning, progress tracking, and risk management. Niche Qualifications : Previous experience as a software or hardware product development engineer. Experience with over-the-air (OTA) software update strategies and deployment for connected devices or systems. Experience in the automotive industry. Pay Disclosure Salary Range for Palo Alto applicants : $167,400 - $209,300. USD. Salary Range for Irvine applicants : $154,000 - $192,500 USD. The posted salary represents the lowest and highest ranges RV Tech reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position. Any posted salary range pertains only to the estimated starting pay for the role. Actual starting pay is based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, skillset, qualifications, specific competencies, relevant education, and location. Total Rewards Total compensation packages for this position include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. In addition, our benefits package has been designed to support the health and wellness of our employees. Benefit offerings include Flex Time Off, retirement savings plans as well as medical, vision and dental coverage. For more information on RV Tech’s comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site. External candidates can apply for this role through the RV Tech Careers site (https : / / rivianvw.tech / #careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board (https : / / internal-careers-rivian.icims.com / ). Equal Opportunity Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital / domestic partner status, age, military / veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Candidate Data Privacy Rivian and VW Group Technologies (“Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies”) may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and / or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media / website, network / device, recruiting system usage / interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information. Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.