Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing

Expected compensation: 91.85 USD per hour

About the role

HireArt is helping an on-demand, autonomous ride-hailing company find a Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing to oversee testing operations and drive the successful planning, coordination, and execution of pre-service testing activities. In this role, you’ll manage testing resources, external vendor relationships, and cross-functional coordination to ensure close-course testing is executed efficiently and aligned with engineering, operational, and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the strategy for R&D testing in partnership with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Procurement, and PMO teams.
• Coordinate testing resources, schedules, and assets to support successful close-course testing activities.
• Develop and maintain documentation, processes, and clear ownership across testing programs.
• Ensure testing teams have the equipment, facilities, and operational resources needed to meet program objectives.
• Establish program reporting and lead regular stakeholder meetings to communicate project status, risks, milestones, and key decisions.
• Manage relationships with proving grounds, test equipment suppliers, and other external testing partners.
• Define and manage budgets for test tracks, equipment, and other testing resources.
• Maintain a strong understanding of vehicle platforms, software development lifecycles, testing operations, and release readiness.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience
• 5+ years of experience in engineering, technical program management, or management consulting
• Experience coordinating schedules, testing resources, or operational assets
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Smartsheet, Jira, Microsoft Project, Gantt charts, and risk management frameworks
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills, including the ability to develop executive-ready reports and KPI visualizations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while communicating effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
• This role will require safety boots that conform to ASTM F2412 / F2413 requirements

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with system architecture, safety-critical systems, or test and validation programs
• Previous technical program management experience within automotive, autonomous vehicles, or a Tier 1 supplier
• Experience leading complex cross-functional programs, facilities, or product development initiatives
• Experience developing scalable processes, reporting, and program governance
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and relationship management skills in fast-paced environments
• Ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and deliver results across tactical and strategic initiatives

Benefits

• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employer (HireArt) subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service)
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
• HireArt covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
• 401k package

Schedule

This is a full-time, ongoing contract position staffed via HireArt. It will be onsite and available to candidates who are local to the Foster City, CA area.

Pay

91.85 USD per hour