Program Manager

Aquent (United States); Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent seeks a driven professional to join our client’s operations team focused on validation for autonomous driving tech. You will optimize testing programs, coordinate across sites, and ensure reliable validation of advanced systems while leveraging AI tools to improve daily workflows.

Ideal candidates bring hands-on operations experience, strong data skills, and the ability to work across cross-functional teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in physical operations environments such as warehousing, logistics, or autonomous vehicle operations.
• Strong spreadsheet skills (pivot tables, data trends) and ability to analyze data.
• Ability to leverage AI productivity tools to automate tasks and streamline workflows.
• Comfort with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and shifting priorities.
• Experience across 5–25+ years in related roles is welcomed if the skill match exists.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute validation testing targets across multiple sites and depots.
• Analyze performance data and optimize daily workflows using AI tools.
• Collaborate with site operations leads, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to allocate validation resources efficiently.
• Provide daily oversight and triage issues across vehicle platforms, software configurations, and vendor operations.
• Investigate bottlenecks, staffing gaps, and driver performance to drive efficiency.
• Review dashboards and flag anomalies; brief regional managers on key insights.
• Triage urgent requests and escalations in real-time across teams.
• Conduct on-site visits to inspect deployments and verify mission readiness (1–2 days/week).
• Perform manual, time-intensive operational tasks when necessary.

Skills

Operations experience

Spreadsheet skills

AI productivity tools

Adaptability to priorities

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SQL

Looker

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About Our Client and Aquent

An industry leader in autonomous driving technology, our client is on a mission to revolutionize transportation, making it safe and effortless for everyone. Partnering with Aquent, we are seeking visionary talent to join their pioneering team and contribute to the continuous safety and reliability of cutting-edge self-driving technology.

About the Role: Drive Innovation in Autonomous Technology!

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous driving? We're looking for a highly motivated individual to join a dynamic operations team focused on validation, where your expertise will directly impact the performance and efficiency of groundbreaking self-driving technology. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to optimize complex operational workflows, leverage advanced tools, and ensure the robust validation of innovative systems that are transforming how people and goods move. You will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement and ensuring the seamless execution of critical testing programs, directly contributing to the safety and reliability of advanced autonomous systems.

Location

Arizona

Note: This is a remote/home-based role requiring an average of 1-2 days per week on-site at local operational vehicle depots (approx. 15%-30% local travel). Candidates must reside within commuting distance (ideally within a 50-mile radius) of the designated market.

Your Impact and Key Responsibilities

• Support regional teams with coordination and execution to meet rigorous validation testing targets across operational sites and depots.
• Analyze operational performance data and leverage AI productivity tools to optimize daily workflows and support depot operations.
• Collaborate closely with site operations leads, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to ensure validation resources are efficiently utilized and testing targets are met.
• Provide daily operational oversight, issue triage, and coordination across vehicle platforms, software configurations, and vendor operations.
• Investigate shift performance, root-cause depot bottlenecks, vehicle online rates, and staffing shortages to drive operational efficiency.
• Review dashboards and spreadsheets for anomalies or performance drops during morning reporting, briefing regional managers on key insights.
• Triage fast-paced pings, escalations, and cross-functional requests in real-time throughout the day.
• Conduct on-site visits to inspect vehicle rollouts, monitor driver mission readiness, and resolve platform issues, averaging 1-2 days per week.
• Execute manual, time-intensive operational tasks when necessary, such as auditing route prioritization plans, demonstrating a willingness to get hands-on.
• Manage day-to-day oversight and performance tracking of operations vendors running driver fleets and depot operations.

What You'll Bring: Essential Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in physical operations environments (e.g., warehousing, delivery fleets, logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, transportation, autonomous vehicles). Candidates without physical operations experience will struggle.
• High comfort with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and shifting priorities.
• Low ego, willing to engage in manual operational tasks while capable of presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Strong spreadsheet skills (e.g., Google Sheets, Excel), including pivot tables and data trend identification.
• Ability to leverage AI productivity tools for automating tasks, data interpretation, and streamlining workflows.
• Flexible years of experience (5 to 25+ years welcome, provided skill match exists).

Stand Out From the Crowd: Desired Qualifications

• Experience with data visualization and query tools such as SQL, Looker, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Prior experience within a similar industry or with large-scale operational environments.