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)