Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing

JOB DESCRIPTION
Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing

The Program Management Office (PMO) at *** is responsible for driving cross-functional program planning and execution at the highest level. We partner with leaders from across the company in vehicle development, system design, software engineering, manufacturing, fleet operations, and business functions to develop and deliver major corporate milestones on the path to launch and beyond.
Our program managers contribute to the end-to-end success of technical, integrated product milestones involving both of our vehicle platforms - the Toyota Highlander test fleet and ***'s purpose-built robotaxi. PMO has teams focusing on AI & Autonomy, Robot Platform Development, Testing & Performance, and Service/Product readiness. All roles are deeply cross-functional, collaborative, and interdisciplinary.
We are looking for a Technical Program Manager to oversee holistic testing operations, focusing on smooth operational execution, organizational interaction (presentations, escalations, etc.), and efficiency of testing. This role manages relationships with proving grounds, equipment providers, and other testing asset suppliers, while internally aligning stakeholders for the readiness and execution of pre-service testing activities on close-courses.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and iterate on the strategy for ***'s R&D testing with cross-functional stakeholders from engineering, operations, finance, procurement, and PMO
• Organize a document management system for the processes in this space, ensure roles and responsibilities are known and understood by all stakeholders
• Ensure the operations teams have the proper resources to meet the testing requirements of the company
• Establish standard reports, including regular program meetings, to provide concise and effective communications to key stakeholders on program status, issues/risks, and accomplishments
• Manage the relationships with external testing providers including, but not limited to, proving grounds and test equipment suppliers.
• Define and manage the budget for test tracks, test equipment, and other resources to support testing in close-course environments
• Maintaining a strong technical understanding of our vehicle platforms, software lifecycle, clearance process, and test operations

Qualifications:

• BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience
• At least 5 to 8 years of experience in engineering, program management, or management consulting
• Experience with scheduling and coordinating of assets
• An ability to keep the big picture in focus and to provide clear, well-structured, and concise communications tailored to each appropriate audience
• Proficient in tools or processes required to manage complex projects (i.e. Gantt charts, risk matrix, Smartsheet, JIRA, etc.)
• Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills are a must, ability to create visualizations of KPIs and program risks

Bonus Qualifications:

• In-depth experience with system architecture, safety critical systems, corporate strategy, and/or test & validation
• Previous technical program management experience
• Product development experience at an automotive company or a Tier 1 auto OEM
• Strong track-record in managing complex cross-functional projects or facilities
• Experience with developing and scaling strategy, processes, plans, procedures, reporting and handling escalations
• Ability to effectively prioritize with strong time management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to develop channels of communication while understanding and managing professional relationships
• Ability to drive communication within a high-performance, cross-functional organization with extremely tight timelines, aggressive goals and demanding work environment
• Have an inquisitive and open attitude to exploring new ideas and eagerness to continuously learn and take on tough problems
• Independent thinker capable of operating within ambiguously defined structures with an ability for delivering tangible results
• Ability to perform in a fast pace high stress environment
• Willingness to get involved with all aspects of the project you are supporting, inclusive of practical, tactical, and strategic
• Strong references that highlight your ability to build strong working relationships with senior leaders, program managers, and engineers across functions and departments