Sr. Program Manager, AI SW (Driver, Firmware focus)

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; California, San Jose (MO, CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Technical Program Manager to lead the execution of AI NPU software initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust and timely delivery of driver and firmware solutions. Your expertise in embedded systems and stakeholder communication will be crucial as you navigate complex technical landscapes and align diverse teams around project goals. This role offers an exciting opportunity to impact next-generation computing experiences while working in a hybrid environment that values innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Deep experience in managing software/hardware programs, especially in AI contexts.
• Ability to translate technical dependencies into execution roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Drive execution of NPU driver and firmware programs across multi-functional teams.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to clarify requirements and ensure feasibility.

Skills

Technical Program Management

Embedded Systems

Firmware Development

Device Drivers

AI Inference Workflows

Stakeholder Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Engineering

Master's in Computer Science

PMP Certification

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Microsoft Project

Trello

Teams

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING

We care deeply about transforming lives with AMD technology to enrich our industry, our communities, and the world. Our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences - the building blocks for the data center, artificial intelligence, PCs, gaming and embedded. Underpinning our mission is the AMD culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges. We strive for execution excellence while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives.

AMD together we advance_

THE ROLE:

In this high-impact role, you will lead end-to-end program execution for AI NPU (Neural Processing Unit) Software stack with a focus on driver and firmware development initiatives. You will partner closely with engineering, architecture, and product teams to drive technical execution from concept to customer delivery-ensuring software components are robust, performant, on-time and aligned with product goals.

THE PERSON:

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker and brings deep experience in technical program management of software/hardware programs with a deep understanding or firmware, device drivers, or embedded systems-particularly in AI or accelerator hardware contexts. You are adept at working with cross-functional engineering teams, translating complex technical dependencies into execution roadmaps, and aligning stakeholders around aggressive schedules and quality targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive the execution of NPU driver and firmware programs, from requirements through delivery, across multi-site, multi-functional teams and across organizational boundaries
• Define and track project plans with detailed understanding of software stack layers (e.g., kernel drivers, HAL, firmware) and hardware integration points
• Collaborate with architecture, software, and hardware teams to clarify requirements and ensure feasibility of features and schedules
• Develop and maintain integrated schedules and resourcing plans for NPU software deliverables, including upstream and downstream dependencies (e.g., hardware readiness, compiler toolchains, ML frameworks)
• Own formal project documentation and artifacts: plan of record, statements of work, KPIs for quality/performance, and risk mitigation plans
• Work closely with QA, silicon validation, and customer teams to support bring-up, track debugging, and deployment of NPU firmware and drivers
• Excellent communication skills able to report regularly to senior leadership and proactively manage escalations and cross-org alignment

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Proven track record managing embedded software, firmware, or driver programs-ideally in AI accelerators, GPUs, NPUs, or SoC contexts
• Understanding of AI inference workflows, ML model execution, and driver interactions with compilers and runtime frameworks is a plus
• Skilled in project tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Trello, Teams and Microsoft Project
• Strong stakeholder communication, executive reporting, and decision tracking abilities, ability to grasp concepts during discussions and turn minutes into action items
• Experience working in a high-pressure environment with competing priorities and tight turnaround times
• Technical background enabling deep conversations with engineers across software and hardware domains with the ability to then synthesize and communicate key concepts and processes to stakeholders

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science (Master's preferred)
• PMP certification or formal project management training or demonstrated experience strongly preferred

LOCATION:

San Jose, Ca.

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Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.