Senior Technical Program Manager

TENEX is an AI-native, automation-first, built-for-scale Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider. We help organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture through advanced threat detection, rapid response, and continuous protection. Our team consists of industry experts with deep experience in cybersecurity, automation, and AI-driven solutions. Backed by leading investors such as Crosspoint Capital Partners, Shield Capital, DTCP, Deepwork Capital, and the Florida Opportunity Fund, with a seed round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), we are rapidly growing and seeking top talent to join our mission. As an early employee, you’ll play a key role in defining and building our culture in a small but well-funded team with limited risk and unlimited upside.

About the Role

As the Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM) at TENEX, you will be a strategic leader responsible for orchestrating the delivery of our most complex AI-native security initiatives. You will drive cross-functional programs that bridge the gap between frontier AI research, infrastructure engineering, and security operations. This high-impact role requires a blend of technical program management expertise, a deep understanding of cybersecurity threat landscapes, and the ability to navigate the operational challenges of deploying AI at scale in high-stakes environments.

Location: San Jose, CA or Kansas City, KS. Hybrid work model.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex technical programs, ensuring alignment between AI research, engineering, and security detection teams to meet critical product milestones.
• Establish and manage the frameworks for scaling AI-driven security capabilities, from prototype development to production-grade deployment and ongoing lifecycle management.
• Proactively identify and mitigate technical risks, dependencies, and bottlenecks across distributed teams, ensuring seamless integration of AI models within the MDR pipeline.
• Define program management best practices for AI projects, ensuring that security, compliance, and performance standards are met throughout the development lifecycle.
• Bridge the gap between highly technical AI researchers/engineers and executive stakeholders, translating complex technical hurdles into clear business outcomes and actionable roadmaps.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of the cybersecurity domain, including threat intelligence, SIEM/SOAR integration, and security operations (SecOps) workflows.
• 5+ years of experience in technical program management, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale AI or ML initiatives from concept to production.
• Ability to engage deeply with engineering teams on architectural decisions, particularly regarding LLM deployment, model performance, and data infrastructure.
• Experience building scalable processes in high-growth startup environments, balancing the need for speed with the necessity of technical stability and security.
• Exceptional ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority and to clearly communicate technical strategy to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Security, or a related field.
• CISSP or other cybersecurity certifications are a significant plus.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI-driven cybersecurity technologies and Google SecOps solutions.
• Collaborate with a talented and innovative team focused on continuously improving security operations.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A culture of growth and development, with opportunities to expand your knowledge in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.