Technical Program Manager

The Mission

This is not a “keep the trains running” TPM role. This is a 0→1 builder opportunity at a company making a meaningful bet on AI transformation.

The company is re-imagining how small business lending works — starting with fully automating underwriting decisions for a large segment of loans.

• AI-driven credit decisions
• Real-time underwriting workflows
• Intelligent document parsing + triage
• Blending internal models with best-in-class third-party AI solutions

The Role

You’ll act as the right hand to the Chief Credit Officer, owning execution across a growing portfolio of AI workstreams.

• Drive execution across internal data science teams + offshore engineering + 3rd party vendors
• Manage dependencies, risks, delivery timelines, and reporting
• Play an active role in AI discussions
• Evaluate vendor performance: data quality, model outputs, ROI
• Help operationalize AI into production underwriting workflows

First 6–12 Months

• Deliver meaningful progress toward AI-powered underwriting automation (~90% for smaller loans)
• Stand up and scale vendor + data partnerships
• Collaborate with risk/analytics teams to validate and refine AI outputs
• Drive measurable efficiency gains without increasing headcount

What They're Looking For

• Must-have:
• 5+ years of Technical Program Management experience
• 2+ years working directly on AI / ML initiatives
• Fintech experience (required) — ideally within lending / credit

• Strong signal profile:
• Former engineer or engineering leader turned TPM
• Experience in both large financial institutions and scrappy environments
• Proven 0→1 ownership of complex initiatives
• Ability to operate in the weeds, not just at a high level

Not a Fit If

• You’ve only operated at big companies without hands-on execution
• You’ve primarily managed other TPMs rather than owning delivery yourself
• You’re looking for a fully remote role

Logistics

• Location: San Diego (preferred) or San Francisco
• Work model: Hybrid (3 days/week in office)
• Relocation support available
• Must be US Citizen or Green Card holder

Compensation

• Base: $250K – $350K
• Bonus: 20%
• Equity: Private company shares (flexible for the right hire)

Why This Role

• True 0→1 AI transformation in a real revenue-generating business
• Direct partnership with executive leadership
• Highly visible, impact-driven work tied to core business outcomes
• Opportunity to shape how AI is actually deployed in production — not just experimentation