Staff IT Program Manager

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies•Palo Alto, CA

2d•Hybrid

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. At the intersection of two automotive powerhouses, this isn't your typical IT program management role. As our IT Program Manager, you'll be the connective tissue between Rivian Volkswagen Technology (RV Tech) and the broader VW Group - owning the end-to-end delivery of critical IT integrations that directly enable vehicle programs at scale. If you thrive in ambiguity, love building order from complexity, and want your work to have a tangible impact on the future of EVs, this role was built for you. This role will be located at our Palo Alto, Ca office with a flex schedule of 3 days a week onsite. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the center of one of the most significant automotive technology collaborations happening right now. You'll gain exposure across two global organizations, work on programs with real visibility, and help shape how two iconic brands build and share technology infrastructure for the next generation of vehicles.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years in the software industry with a strong focus on IT program and project management.
A track record of managing complex, cross-organizational IT programs - ideally across international teams or in a JV/partnership context.
Sharp stakeholder management skills - you know how to align people who don't share the same org chart.
Strong analytical and organizational chops; you can zoom out to set direction and zoom in to unblock a stuck dependency.
Clear, confident communicator- written and verbal - across all levels of an organization.

Nice To Haves

Technical background in software development or automotive industry is preferred

Responsibilities

Lead IT programs end-to-end - from high-level strategy through detailed execution - across a fast-paced, cross-organizational environment.
Drive the implementation of IT requirements that enable seamless systems integration between RV Tech and VW Group, ensuring data exchange, compliance, and technical alignment across both organizations.
Coordinate the rollout of software solutions, making sure the right teams are aligned and moving in the same direction at the right time.
Lead the escalation process for technical issues, ensuring timely triage, clear ownership, and structured resolution paths.
Act as the central escalation point between RV Tech and VW Group (including its associated brands), driving issue resolution with urgency and clarity.
Bridge communication between VW Group users operating in the RV Tech environment and vice versa, reducing friction and keeping programs on track.
Partner with service providers to resolve technical issues efficiently, protecting timelines and team velocity.
Own the core collaboration tooling used to coordinate project plans, timelines, and deliverables across both organizations.
Align program milestones with vehicle project timelines — understanding that in automotive, a slip here has downstream consequences everywhere.
Maintain rigorous documentation of IT activities, requirements, and timelines that teams can actually rely on.
Ensure all implemented solutions meet internal policies and external regulatory standards — no surprises at launch.