Sr. Manager, Technical Program Management

About this role

ABOUT US

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.

ROLE SUMMARY

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- People Leadership

- 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

Program Execution

- 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

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategy

- 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

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

- 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

Preferred Qualifications

- 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

TOTAL REWARDS

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including…