Engineering Program Manager, Sensor Software User Studies & Data Collection

Socket.dev; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking an Engineering Program Manager to drive cross-functional data collection for training sensing algorithms and AI experiences. You will manage complex programs spanning hardware, software, and operations, coordinating across teams and vendors to deliver high-quality data on time.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, excellent communication, and a proven ability to navigate ambiguity while delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years in technical program/product management or technical leadership in a large engineering project.
• Knowledge of embedded software, sensor systems, data collection, ML or computer vision.
• Able to dive into technical details and communicate clearly to engineers and execs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational and leadership skills.
• Able to influence, collaborate and negotiate with diverse teams at all levels.
• Proactive and comfortable in fast-paced environments with ambiguity.
• Experience using generative AI tools in program management.

Responsibilities

• Drive cross-functional data collection programs spanning hardware, software, algorithm and ops teams.
• Scope programs, build schedules, identify critical paths and manage risk from proposal to delivery.
• Coordinate legal, operator/participant experience and vendor logistics for timely data landings.
• Synthesize large amounts of information into concise analyses for decision-makers.
• Lead with an entrepreneurial approach and strong planning and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

PhD in a technical discipline

Tools

Embedded software

Sensor systems

Data collection

Machine learning

Computer vision

Job description

We are looking for an outstanding Engineering Program Manager to drive the collection and delivery of real-world data that fuels the training and validation of Apple's next-generation sensing algorithms. From cameras to advanced sensing systems, you will be working at the cutting edge of custom hardware, data, and software capabilities to deliver world-class Apple experiences. We are looking for Program Managers who can thrive in a dynamic workplace where both individual drive and team collaboration are the keys to success. You have experience in product development and program / project / product management, proven leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for shipping new technologies.

Description

In this role, you will drive complex, cross-functional data collection efforts that span hardware, software, algorithm, and operations teams, enabling both sensing algorithms and AI experiences. Your ability to build relationships and trust across engineering and operations partners will be key to your success. You will scope data collection programs, build and track schedules, identify critical paths, and manage risk from initial proposal through data delivery. You will coordinate legal, operator/participant experience, and vendor logistics alongside technical execution, ensuring data collection programs land on time with quality data. You can grasp complex technical topics, identify risks and mitigation paths, and communicate clearly to both engineering partners and executive stakeholders. You will synthesize large amounts of information into concise written and verbal analyses that enable decision-making at every level, from working teams to executive reviews. The ideal candidate has an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving, is comfortable operating with ambiguity, and has exceptional organizational and leadership skills built on a solid foundation of planning and risk management.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1+ years of technical program or product management, or a technical leadership role in a large engineering project
• Knowledgeable of one or more technologies: embedded software, sensor systems, data collection or research systems, machine learning, computer vision
• Able to dive into technical details
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and leadership skills
• Able to work with diverse teams and interact, influence, collaborate, and negotiate effectively at all levels of management
• Self-motivated and proactive. Understands and deals well with a fast-paced environment, while remaining calm and flexible in the face of uncertainty
• Regularly incorporates generative AI tools into daily program management work as a standard practice
• B.S. or higher degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical program management experience in consumer facing product development
• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or PhD in a technical discipline
• Experience with quantitative or sensor-driven data collection programs that feed machine learning or algorithm development pipelines
• Experience managing vendor relationships, contract negotiation, or field logistics