Senior Technical Program Manager

Kforce Inc; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kforce Inc in Foster City, CA is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to lead cross-functional product launches and validation efforts for automotive programs. You will partner with systems engineering, software, hardware, and manufacturing to drive milestones and resolve blockers.

The role emphasizes strong executive communication, KPI development, and risk management, with collaboration across engineering disciplines and leadership teams to ensure on-time delivery and alignment with

Qualifications

• BS or MS in engineering or equivalent
• 8+ years in engineering or program management with launches/testing
• Proven track record in cross-functional projects
• Familiar with vehicle platforms, software lifecycle, and safety clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead milestone execution with cross-functional teams
• Define KPIs and secure executive buy-in
• Provide concise updates to stakeholders and leadership
• Coordinate with software, hardware, systems engineering, and operations to unblock releases

Skills

PM leadership

Executive communication

Engineering background

Education

BS or MS in engineering

Tools

Gantt charts

Risk matrix

Smartsheet

JIRA

Job description

Responsibilities

Kforce has a client in Foster City, CA that is seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager. In this role, you will:

• Lead the execution company product/service milestone, which will include establishing a milestone execution test strategy and feature lock working with partner functional teams like systems engineering, vehicle engineering, software development, and manufacturing operations
• Define KPIs and other methods to measure milestone success metrics that best translate progress toward business goals - you will also drive getting appropriate buy-offs on these metrics in executive decision forums
• Provide concise and effective communications to key stakeholders (functional engineering management, engineering leadership, & executive leadership) in various company tracking and decision-making forums on program status, issues/risks, and accomplishments
• Collaborate with software, hardware, systems engineering, and operations teams to burn down issues and flag issues to ensure there is an appropriate handoff to the right team and issues blocking a release have the appropriate amount of attention within the organization

Requirements

• BS or MS degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent engineering experience in lieu of an engineering degree
• At least 8 years of experience in engineering or program management with a focus on product launches and/or validation and testing
• Proven track record of managing complex cross-functional projects
• Strong understanding of one or more of these areas - vehicle platforms, software lifecycle, safety clearance process, and test operations
• Experience with automotive or aerospace processes, or have experience with test platforms, simulation, autonomous vehicles, or verification & validation (V&V) disciplines
• Proficient in tools or processes required to manage complex projects (i.e., Gantt charts, risk matrix, Smartsheet, JIRA, etc.)
• Ability to concisely and effectively communicate at the senior executive level of the organization

Bonus Qualifications

• Project Manager Professional certification (PMP) or equivalent
• Experience with autonomous vehicles, test platforms, simulation, and/or automotive or aerospace processes is highly desired
• Experience with developing and scaling strategies, processes, plans, procedures, reporting, and handling escalations

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.