Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing

Location: Foster City, CA 94404 (Onsite)
Contract: Approx. 6 months
Salary: $80-90/hour (W2 only)

Industry: Autonomous Mobility Company

About the Role

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead R&D testing operations within a cutting-edge mobility and advanced technology environment. This role is responsible for driving end-to-end execution of testing programs in closed-course settings, ensuring seamless coordination across teams, partners, and resources.

You'll work at the intersection of engineering, operations, and program management-owning testing strategy, improving operational efficiency, and enabling critical pre-deployment milestones.

What You'll Do

• Lead and evolve R&D testing strategy in collaboration with engineering, operations, finance, procurement, and PMO teams
• Oversee end-to-end testing operations, ensuring timelines, resources, and deliverables are met
• Build and maintain clear processes, documentation, and governance frameworks
• Drive cross-functional alignment and facilitate communication across stakeholders
• Manage external vendor relationships, including proving grounds and equipment providers
• Own budget planning and tracking for test tracks, equipment, and testing resources
• Deliver program reporting, including status updates, risks, and key milestones
• Maintain strong technical context across vehicle systems, software lifecycle, and testing workflows

What We're Looking For

• 5 8+ years of experience in program management, engineering, or consulting
• Proven success managing complex, cross-functional technical programs
• Experience working with testing operations, hardware/software integration, or validation environments
• Strong understanding of program management tools (e.g., JIRA, Smartsheet, Gantt charts, risk tracking)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in automotive, robotics, autonomous systems, or related industries
• Experience with system architecture, safety-critical systems, or test & validation
• Track record of building and scaling processes, reporting, and operational frameworks
• Strong ability to manage budgets, vendors, and external partnerships

Key Traits for Success

• Highly collaborative and cross-functional
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Comfortable handling tight timelines and high-pressure environments
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and execution-focused
• Curious mindset with a drive to continuously learn and improve

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Interview Process

• Complete a 6-item questionnaire
• 30-minute interview with the Hiring Manager (virtual)
• Panel interview (onsite)