AI Technical Program Manager

Applause

1d • $120 - $135

About The Position

Applause is seeking a seasoned AI Technical Program Manager for an eight-month independent-contractor engagement with potential annual renewal, supporting a client in the Pacific Northwest. The role supports the client’s ongoing development and deployment of AI technologies, helping uphold core AI principles and earn public trust while collaborating with engineering, research, and go-to-market teams worldwide.

The position consults on and assesses high-impact AI use cases and supports program operations. It evaluates AI systems to identify risks, defines safety requirements, leads strategic initiatives, and helps ensure high-risk AI deployments are safe and responsible. The program manager partners with stakeholders across engineering, policy, research, sales, and marketing to respond to the evolving AI landscape and establish standards for product teams.

The engagement is planned to begin in early November 2026, at 40 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday during standard Pacific Time business hours. The stated pay rate is $120 to $135 per hour.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, engineering, or relevant professional experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a software development or engineering role.
• At least 3 years of experience in a technical program management role, leading key AI strategic initiatives.
• Experience in strategic program management, execution, operations, and evaluation.
• Experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to rapidly changing environments and demands.
• Experience working in or with a large, matrixed organization.
• A record of effective teamwork and commitment to collective success, including promoting cooperation and solving problems promptly, creatively, and professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• A record of experimentation, openness to feedback, and learning from successes and failures.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in software quality assurance testing.
• Experience with generative AI.
• Technical experience in responsible AI, AI ethics, AI safety, digital safety, or security.
• Experience with AI, machine learning, or responsible AI topics, such as AI/ML engineering, AI-related technical program management, AI product development, data science involving AI/ML, inclusive design, ethics, safety, fairness, accessibility, privacy, security, AI governance, or AI policy.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineering teams to contribute to, prioritize, and deliver product roadmaps, primarily by evaluating upcoming product releases for responsible AI risks and evidence of effective mitigations.
• Develop a deep understanding of AI technology and responsible AI engineering implementations to inform and develop AI policy.
• Provide internal consulting and evaluate AI product releases and use cases.
• Develop internal guidance to mitigate risks and provide oversight for alignment with responsible AI policies.
• Assess AI system architectures, identify patterns, and provide actionable risk mitigation guidance.
• Use knowledge of AI use cases and deployments to support scalable policies addressing risks and impacts across social contexts.
• Lead key AI strategic initiatives and support program execution, operations, and evaluation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level