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Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in California

Oversee research operations through a dedicated operations leader -- recruitment and member panel ... programs (see more about our compensation and benefits at Intuit ® : Careers | Benefits). Pay ...

New

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... research, development, production, operations and maintenance, and lifecycle acquisition activities. The SSC/CG Directorate is responsible for the planning, acquisition, and sustainment of space ...

Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... research, development, production, operations and maintenance, and lifecycle acquisition activities. The SSC/CG Directorate is responsible for the planning, acquisition, and sustainment of space ...

Research Operations, Code

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

As a member of Research Ops on the Code team, you will own multi-million-dollar data programs end ... Manage end-to-end data pipelines from customer specification to final delivery. * Diagnose ...

Oversee research operations through a dedicated operations leader - recruitment and member panel ... plans and programs (see more about our compensation and benefits at ). Pay offered is based on ...

Oversee research operations through a dedicated operations leader - recruitment and member panel ... and programs (see more about our compensation and benefits at Intuit: Careers | Benefits). Pay ...

Manager, Research Services

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Goodwin's Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we ... Employee recognition and reward programs * Employee wellness and assistance programs * Employee ...

Manager, Research Services

Santa Monica, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Goodwin's Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we ... Employee recognition and reward programs * Employee wellness and assistance programs * Employee ...

Manager, Research Services

Los Angeles, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Goodwin's Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we ... Employee recognition and reward programs * Employee wellness and assistance programs * Employee ...

Manager, Research Services

San Francisco, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Goodwin's Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we ... Employee recognition and reward programs * Employee wellness and assistance programs * Employee ...

... operational coordination across ongoing research initiatives and collaborations • Manage and ... for research programs and open-source initiatives • Help improve internal workflows and ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Manager Research Operations information

What is a program manager research operations?

Program Manager Research Operations are professionals who oversee and coordinate the administrative and operational aspects of research programs within organizations such as universities, corporations, or healthcare institutions. Their responsibilities typically include managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, supporting research teams, and improving efficiency in research processes. They act as a bridge between researchers, administrative staff, and external partners to ensure projects run smoothly and meet organizational goals. Program Managers in Research Operations play a critical role in enabling scientific and academic research by providing strategic and logistical support.

What are the main challenges program managers in research operations typically face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Program Managers in Research Operations often encounter challenges related to aligning diverse stakeholders, balancing multiple project timelines, and ensuring smooth communication between research, product, and operations teams. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining research quality and compliance. Regularly facilitating meetings, setting clear expectations, and using project management tools help mitigate these challenges and ensure collaborative progress.

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

To thrive as a Program Manager Research Operations, you need expertise in research administration, project management, and budget oversight, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in research environments. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project), research compliance systems, and grant management platforms is typically essential. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and effective communication enable collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient research operations, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Program Manager Research Operations vs Research Coordinator?

AspectProgram Manager Research OperationsResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in related field, project management certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in a relevant field, research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, collaborates with teams, manages budgetsSupports research projects, handles data collection, assists with study logistics
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, academiaResearch labs, clinical settings, academic institutions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in research operationsDetails on research support roles and coordination tasks

The Program Manager Research Operations typically oversees multiple research projects, manages teams, and handles budgets, requiring project management skills. In contrast, a Research Coordinator focuses on supporting specific research studies, managing data collection, and logistical tasks. Both roles are essential in research environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Research Operations jobs in California?

For Program Manager Research Operations jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Research Operations jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Research Operations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Program Manager Research Operations jobs?

Cities in California with the most Program Manager Research Operations job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Research Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Senior / Staff Program Manager, Verification and Validation Operations

Zoox

Foster City, CA

$183K - $256K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Zoox's Fleet Operations Program Management team delivers cross-functional programs critical to the growth, expansion, and efficient operation of our commercial autonomous vehicle service. We partner closely with Fleet Operations and cross-functional stakeholders to verify, validate, and launch new software on our fleet — while continuously maturing our operational processes to deliver a premium customer experience.
 
We're looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Senior / Staff Program Manager to help define and execute strategies that scale our Verification & Validation (V&V) operations. Our testing fleet — hundreds of vehicles across multiple cities and private tracks — is growing rapidly in size and geographic reach. This is a highly cross-functional role operating at the intersection of operations, autonomy, engineering, and product — requiring someone who can navigate technical complexity while driving alignment and execution across a broad set of stakeholders.
 

Expected Travel: 10–15%
In this role, you will:
  • Lead and coordinate large-scale, highly cross-functional programs spanning Autonomy, Product, Infrastructure, Engineering, and Safety teams to drive measurable improvements in fleet efficiency and software quality
  • Own and drive operational efficiency initiatives that span multiple engineering, field service, and operations teams — identifying bottlenecks, aligning stakeholders, and unblocking downstream execution
  • Partner with System Design & Mission Assurance and other safety teams to gather and pressure-test requirements — bringing a critical lens to ensure what's being asked for is the right thing to build or prioritize
  • Champion the adoption of AI and data-driven tools within operations — including building centralized, multi-source reporting systems that surface actionable intelligence from the field and feed into leadership decision-making
  • Run monthly business reviews (MBRs) with a broad set of stakeholders — synthesizing ground-level signals from market leads and operational locations into clear recommendations on resources, partnerships, and priorities for leadership
  • Define and track the right operational metrics — not just reporting on what exists, but actively shaping what should be measured and why
  • Partner with Finance to support operational and financial planning cycles (OP1, OP2, quarterly R&O), ensuring budgets reflect operational needs accurately and efficiently
  • Lead key efficiency initiatives across our L3 and robotaxi R&D fleets, including improvements in fleet utilization, time-in-autonomy, troubleshooting cycle times, and operational infrastructure
  • Manage program timelines, resources, and deliverables; proactively identify and mitigate operational and programmatic risks
  • Create and maintain program documentation and progress reports for senior leadership
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Research, Operations Management, or a STEM field
  • 10+ years of program management experience, with a strong preference for backgrounds that blend technical depth with operational execution
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, highly cross-functional programs with significant organizational impact
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguity — able to structure undefined problems, build frameworks from scratch, and drive toward clarity
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across engineering, product, and operations audiences
  • Deeply data-driven — not just tracking metrics but validating them, questioning outputs that don't add up, and pushing back when the data tells the wrong story
  • Proficient with modern AI tools and workflows (e.g., Gemini, Claude, MCP APIs, cloud-based coding environments) and actively applies them to drive operational efficiency and better decision-making
Bonus Qualifications
  • Experience in autonomous vehicles, aerospace, ride-hail, robotics, or fleet management
  • Background in systems engineering, software development, or technical operations
  • MBA or Master's degree in a STEM field
  • PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification
  • Experience with vehicle testing, validation, or disengagement analysis
Base Salary Range
 
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
 
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.