Staff Technical Program Manager

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies • Irvine, CA

3d • $154,000 - $211,750

About The Position

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, a joint venture between Rivian and Volkswagen Group, develops technology for software-defined vehicles, including operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud, and connectivity solutions. The Staff Technical Program Manager will lead software delivery for new vehicle launches, manage the integration of new features, and help ensure high software quality across complex software-hardware environments. The role supports launches of new consumer and commercial vehicle variants and works across the organization to coordinate software schedules, integration, verification, issue resolution, risk mitigation, and process improvement. The position also provides mentorship and technical guidance to other Technical Program Managers.

The role requires progressive technical or engineering program management experience, including successful software delivery for complex integrated products at scale and production launches involving software and electrical hardware dependencies. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders in dynamic, ambiguous environments and use Agile and Waterfall methodologies and program management tools such as Jira.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• At least 6 years of progressive Technical or Engineering Program Management experience.
• A strong track record delivering software for complex, integrated software-hardware products at scale.
• Proven ability to lead strategic development and production launch of new products with complex dependencies between software and electrical hardware systems.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, including the ability to lead, align, and motivate diverse cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders in dynamic and ambiguous environments.
• Practical mastery of Agile and Waterfall development methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Jira and other program management tools for managing complex software delivery and establishing best practices.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive plans for software-impacting hardware changes and new software features for consumer and commercial vehicles.
• Influence company and program milestones to align with software schedules.
• Drive software-hardware integration and serve as a principal liaison and problem-solver for challenging cross-domain dependencies.
• Build strong working relationships and foster collaboration across organizational levels to support software integration and successful launches of new vehicle variants.
• Prioritize and drive timely resolution of software issues during development.
• Manage verification test plans for the software and hardware configurations of new product variants.
• Provide clear updates on software delivery progress to program teams, executive leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate systemic risks to software delivery timelines or quality, implementing mitigation strategies and escalating concerns as needed.
• Lead continuous process improvements in the software development lifecycle and program management frameworks.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other Technical Program Managers, promoting best practices and supporting the program management function.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Eligibility for an annual company performance bonus program for full-time positions; payments are discretionary and not guaranteed.
• Eligibility for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and applicable plan terms and vesting requirements.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs; offerings vary by country.

What This Job Offers

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