Technical Program Manager

Ignite your career with a pioneering company at the forefront of developing advanced hardware for the next generation of self-driving vehicles. As a vital member of our team, you will not only lead critical operational initiatives but also drive the adoption of cutting-edge AI automation tools, directly shaping the efficiency and productivity of our Advanced Hardware Engineering division. Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering the foundational compute, control units, and electrical components that power the future of autonomous mobility, making a tangible impact on groundbreaking technology and our strategic business objectives.

About Our Client

Our innovative client is dedicated to building revolutionary self-driving technology. Their Advanced Hardware Engineering team is responsible for the intricate compute and controls hardware, infotainment and telematics control units, and electrical components essential for their future fleet of autonomous vehicles. They are committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and every team member contributes to a shared vision of transforming transportation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and influential leader to join our client's Advanced Hardware Engineering team. This is a unique opportunity to lead critical operational initiatives, from strategic planning and budgeting to process optimization. You will also be at the forefront of defining, developing, and rolling out innovative AI automation tools that will significantly elevate the productivity of our technical program managers and engineers. If you thrive on solving complex problems, excel at navigating intricate cross-functional dependencies, and are adept at influencing without formal authority, this role offers an unparalleled chance to scale your impact and contribute to the core of autonomous vehicle development.

What You Will Do

• Lead Advanced Hardware Engineering Operations, including the Quarterly Planning process, budgeting, and various operational improvement initiatives, such as developing systematic approaches to JIRA planning and issue management frameworks.
• Assist in refining Technical Program Management processes and continuous improvement frameworks to enhance engineering velocity and system reliability.
• Drive the definition, development, and roll out of AI automation tools designed to empower Technical Program Managers and Engineering teams, significantly elevating their productivity through agentic integration across JIRA, Confluence, Slack, Google Suite, and other IT tools.
• Own the division's JIRA hygiene and issue-resolution targets, actively supporting the team in resolving critical issues and cross-team requests within agreed timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline firmware configuration across all projects and different target configurations phases.
• Actively invite diverse perspectives, ensuring all voices are heard and valued in decision-making to strengthen outcomes as one cohesive team.
• Develop and maintain standard reports and one-pagers to communicate program status, risks, issues, and achievements concisely and effectively to key stakeholders and leadership.

Must-Have Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in computer science, engineering, or equivalent job experience.
• At least 6 years of experience in Technical Program Management, with a strong track record of leading and delivering complex cross-functional programs across hardware and/or software.
• Hands-on familiarity with end-to-end product development processes and proficiency in tools required to manage complex programs (e.g., Gantt charts, risk tracking and reporting, Smartsheet, JIRA).
• Proven understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and AI tools such as Claude and Gemini.
• Proficiency in agentic coding workflows using Cursor, Claude Code, Visual Studio Code, Windsurf, or other Integrated Development Environments.
• An ability to keep the big picture in focus and to provide clear, well-structured, and concise communications tailored to each appropriate audience.
• Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Proven experience with building AI-based solutions in the SMB/Enterprise spaces to automate workflows across JIRA, Confluence, Google Suite, Slack, and other productivity tools.
• Previous product development Operations Program Management experience spanning areas such as budgeting, organization-wide planning cycles, risk management, reporting (JIRA, dashboards), and process development.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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