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Freelance Automotive Program Manager Jobs in California

ImageTek Mfg., Inc.

Technical Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Experience managing technical programs involving energy storage, automotive, robotics, or advanced ... manufacturing applications. * Strong technical understanding of precision components, material ...

Solomon Page

Manager Agile Program Management

Irvine, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

We are seeking a Manager, Agile Program Management to lead end-to-end production operations and ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

Rivian

Sr. Staff Vehicle Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$196K - $245K/yr

Operationalize the program strategy by translating high-level product vision into actionable ... Comprehensive knowledge of automotive cost structures, with direct experience managing total landed ...

Rivian

Sr. Staff Vehicle Program Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$196K - $245K/yr

Comprehensive knowledge of automotive cost structures, with direct experience managing total landed ... full vehicle program. Pay Disclosure The salary range for this role is $196,000-$245,000 for ...

Gotion, Inc.

Technical Program Manager, Battery

Irvine, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Solid knowledge of automotive product development and launch processes, including DV/PV, APQP, and PPAP * Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical programs involving multiple stakeholders ...

Rivian

Staff Technical Program Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$154K - $192K/yr

Understanding of automotive engineering release processes. Good knowledge of program management process and vehicle development timeline tools (e.g. Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, Vizzlo). Experience ...

New

KQED

Fundraising Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Title: Fundraising Program Manager Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay ... Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and production partners, ensuring external contributors have ...

KQED

Fundraising Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$102K - $115K/yr

Title: Fundraising Program Manager Schedule Format - Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Pay ... Coordinate with vendors, freelancers, and production partners, ensuring external contributors have ...

Sanmina

Technical Program Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

... and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities ... We are looking for an Program Manager with a interest in manufacturing and learning backplane ...

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Freelance Automotive Program Manager information

What is a freelance automotive program manager?

A Freelance Automotive Program Manager is an independent professional who oversees and coordinates automotive projects or programs for clients, typically on a contract basis. They manage timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful delivery of automotive products or initiatives. Their responsibilities often include liaising between stakeholders, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Freelance program managers bring specialized expertise to automotive companies without the commitment of a full-time hire.

How does a freelance automotive program manager typically collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Freelance Automotive Program Manager, you'll often serve as the central point of coordination between clients and various internal and external teams, such as engineering, supply chain, design, and manufacturing. Effective communication and organization are key, as you'll facilitate project meetings, ensure all stakeholders are aligned on goals and timelines, and address any issues or changes quickly. Since the role is freelance, you may work remotely and use digital collaboration tools to stay connected, requiring strong self-management skills and adaptability to different client cultures and workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance automotive program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Automotive Program Manager, you need a strong background in automotive engineering or project management, often supported by industry experience and a relevant degree. Familiarity with project management tools like MS Project or Jira, and knowledge of automotive standards such as IATF 16949, are typically required. Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and manage client relationships effectively. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic, fast-paced automotive environment.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Automotive Program Manager jobs in California?

For Freelance Automotive Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Automotive Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Automotive Program Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Automotive Program Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Automotive Program Manager job openings:

Freelance Automotive Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Automotive Program Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Technical Program Manager

ImageTek Mfg., Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Technical Program Manager (TPM) will be based in San Jose, CA and will lead cross-functional technical programs with US-based customers, customers’ in-region teams in Asia, and our internal teams across the US and Asia. This role will coordinate engineering, R&D, NPI, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain activities across facilities in the US, China, Korea, and Vietnam to ensure timely execution, clear communication, and high-quality outcomes.

The TPM will serve as a key technical and program interface, helping translate customer requirements into executable development and manufacturing plans, driving issue resolution, and supporting successful product launches from early development through production ramp.

Product Focus

The TPM will primarily support technical programs involving energy storage, automotive, robotics, and advanced manufacturing applications. Product categories may include precision components, electrical and mechanical assemblies, and customized manufactured parts.

Relevant processes may include die-cutting, stamping, molding, laminating, converting, assembly, and automation-related integration.

Material areas may include films, tapes, adhesives, insulation materials, plastics, foams, metals, and other engineered materials.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead technical programs from initiation through launch, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, internal standards, timelines, and business objectives.
  • Serve as the primary technical and program liaison with US-based customers, while coordinating closely with customers’ in-region teams in Asia.
  • Coordinate with internal engineering, quality, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain teams across the US and Asia.
  • Support R&D and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including prototype builds, engineering trials, pre-production validation, and production ramp-up.
  • Provide hands-on technical support, including issue investigation, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, corrective action follow-up, and technical risk assessment.
  • Drive regular program reviews, track open issues, document action items, and communicate clear status updates to customers and internal stakeholders.
  • Identify program risks, bottlenecks, and gating items, and implement proactive mitigation plans.
  • Coordinate customer visits, factory visits, readiness reviews, audits, and technical reviews across applicable manufacturing sites.
  • Ensure customer expectations, technical requirements, quality standards, and manufacturing readiness are clearly understood and executed across all regions.
  • Support clear documentation, including meeting minutes, project timelines, technical summaries, readiness checklists, and launch plans.

Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering, or related roles.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience. Other relevant degrees may be considered depending on experience.
  • Experience managing technical programs involving energy storage, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing applications.
  • Strong technical understanding of precision components, material processing, assemblies, electrical and mechanical assemblies, and customized manufactured parts.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes such as die-cutting, stamping, molding, laminating, converting, assembly, and automation-related integration.
  • Familiarity with engineered materials, including films, tapes, adhesives, insulation materials, plastics, foams, and metals.
  • Strong project management, communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional coordination skills.
  • Experience supporting R&D, NPI, qualification, validation, and production ramp activities.
  • Ability to work effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams across the US and Asia.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support customer meetings, factory visits, engineering builds, audits, and program launches.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical and program information across customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
  • Mandarin proficiency is required.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of the position.

ImageTek provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.