Program Development Manager Jobs in Walnut Creek, CA

Job Summary
We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead new product development programs for next-generation robotaxi hardware, taking systems from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT and into production ramp. This role will work cross-functionally with internal teams and outside contract manufacturers (CMs) to deliver strategic and tactical milestones, develop program schedules, identify risks, and communicate progress to cross-functional teams and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
• Own end-to-end program management for next-generation robotaxi hardware development programs, from concept and architecture through EVT/DVT/PVT builds and into production ramp.
• Translate corporate strategy and milestones into detailed product roadmaps, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Work closely with Hardware (HW), Software (SW), Firmware (FW), Functional Safety, System, Procurement, and Vehicle Development teams to align priorities, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Ensure cross-functional teams understand their required deliverables, dependencies, and timelines.
• Partner closely with outside contract manufacturers (CMs) to plan and execute prototype and engineering builds.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) feedback into product designs.
• Prepare programs for production ramp by coordinating development activities and resolving dependencies.
• Establish standard program reports and regularly communicate program progress, status, issues, risks, and accomplishments to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Ensure problems are transparent, risks are identified early, and risk-mitigation actions are proactively driven to closure with engineering teams and CMs.
• Set agendas for key decisions required at program meetings to eliminate bottlenecks and minimize risks.
• Support key decisions by working cross-functionally across engineering, finance, and strategy teams.
• Develop and adopt structured ways of working to improve program execution and scale impact across multiple cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications
• 6+ years of hardware Technical Program Management or Engineering Program Management experience.
• Demonstrated end-to-end hardware development experience taking products from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT to production ramp.
• Strong preference for candidates with end-to-end development experience in the Automotive industry or Consumer Electronics at the systems or sub-system level.
• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong hardware background.
• Prior experience working with outside contract manufacturers (CMs) through development builds and production ramp.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, software, firmware, functional safety, and systems engineering.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to report program progress and risks clearly and concisely to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Proficiency with tools used to manage complex programs, such as JIRA and Gantt charts.
• Ability to work effectively within rapid development cycles and remain flexible and calm in uncertain environments.
• Self-motivated and proactive problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience managing two or more full program development cycles for systems involving hardware and software integration.
• MS degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Technical Program Management experience on production programs during mass production (MP) and post-MP sustaining phases.
• Strong references demonstrating the ability to build effective working relationships with senior leaders and engineers across functions and departments.