Sr. Manager, Technical Program Management

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies•Palo Alto, CA

About The Position

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. Are you an accomplished Technical Program Manager with a passion for leading high-performing teams and delivering outcomes in complex, safety-critical product environments? We are seeking an experienced people leader to manage a team of Technical Program Managers embedded across homologation, product security, functional safety, and quality programs within our Product Integrity organization. In this role, you will set strategic direction for the team, drive cross-functional alignment, and ensure the highest standards of rigor and execution as we bring next-generation software-defined vehicles to market.

Requirements

BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field
10+ years of progressive Technical or Engineering Program Management experience, with a strong track record in complex, safety-critical or regulated software-hardware products at scale
3+ years of direct people management experience leading teams of program or project managers
Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following domains: homologation/regulatory compliance, product/cybersecurity, functional safety (ISO 26262 or equivalent), or quality management systems
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, with a proven ability to align and motivate diverse cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders in highly dynamic environments
Deep, practical mastery of both Agile and Waterfall development methodologies, with advanced proficiency in Jira and other program management tools
Proven track record of developing talent and building high-performing teams

Nice To Haves

Experience in the automotive industry, particularly with type approval, homologation, or regional regulatory compliance processes
Familiarity with automotive cybersecurity standards (ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE WP.29), functional safety standards (ISO 26262, IEC 61508)
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
PMP, SAFe, or equivalent program management certification

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Technical Program Managers working across homologation, product security, functional safety, and quality domains within the Product Integrity organization
Set clear goals, provide regular coaching and feedback, and support the career development of each team member
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the team
Recruit, onboard, and retain top program management talent as the team and product portfolio scale
Own the strategic roadmap and delivery health across homologation, product security, functional safety, and quality programs, ensuring alignment with vehicle program milestones and regulatory timelines
Drive cross-functional coordination across engineering, legal, regulatory, and quality organizations to resolve the most complex interdependencies and systemic risks
Establish and maintain rigorous program governance frameworks, including risk management, milestone tracking, and executive reporting cadences
Ensure TPMs on the team are effectively managing verification and validation plans, regulatory submissions, and quality gate processes for their respective domains
Proactively identify and mitigate risks to regulatory compliance, product security posture, and functional safety certification timelines, escalating appropriately to leadership
Serve as the primary escalation point and senior representative for the Product Integrity TPM team in cross-functional and executive forums
Cultivate strong partnerships with leaders across software, hardware, legal, regulatory affairs, and vehicle programs to ensure Product Integrity requirements are fully integrated into program plans
Deliver clear, concise, and insightful program status updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders, translating complex regulatory and technical risks into actionable decisions
Champion process excellence and lead significant continuous improvement initiatives across the program management lifecycle within Product Integrity