Sr. Technical Program Manager, Special Projects

Rivian; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 121,500 - 151,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Life, medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Technical Program Manager in Irvine, California to manage complex cross-functional projects. The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, proven experience in project management, and the ability to influence stakeholders without authority. Responsibilities include defining program structure, tracking deliverables, and representing Special Projects in cross-functional forums. The role offers a competitive salary range of $121,500 - $151,900, benefits, and eligibility for performance bonuses. Join Rivian in shaping the future of electric adventure vehicles.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to influence across teams and senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Proven expertise in technical program management with successful project delivery.
• Deep understanding of the product development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive program structure and execution across functions.
• Collaborate with teams to scope requirements and develop plans.
• Track functional requirements and ensure alignment with project deliverables.

Skills

Influencing and driving alignment

Technical program management

Organizational and problem-solving skills

Data-driven decision making

Prototyping and fabrication processes

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering

Advanced degree

Job description

About Rivian

Rivianis on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

Role Summary

As a Technical Program Manager in the Special Projects team, you will play a critical role in defining and riving complex, cross-functional projects that span engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and build. You will report to the Director of Special Projects and be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing technical programs from conception through delivery. Special Projects is a unique team that owns large-scale initiatives from cradle to grave, supporting both internal teams and external partners. Your role will be to ensure program execution is aligned with departmental priorities, and you will act as a key liaison across teams to manage scope, resources, schedules, and risks for high-impact initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive program structure and execution across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and build functions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scope requirements, develop integrated plans, and ensure timely delivery of project objectives.
• Drive critical business discussions related to build requirements, timing, and design readiness.
• Track functional requirements and ensure alignment with overall project deliverables and build schedules.
• Represent Special Projects in cross-functional forums to advocate for program needs, elevate issues, and influence decision-making.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to influence and drive alignment across teams and senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Proven expertise in technical program management with a track record of successful project delivery.
• A background in engineering (Bachelor’s in Engineering required; advanced degree preferred).
• Deep understanding of the product development lifecycle, with technical insight to identify and resolve issues.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with production, prototyping, and fabrication processes and their impact on cost, timing, and quality.
• Confidence in making data-driven decisions and communicating clearly to stakeholders.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to learn quickly, stay positive, and bring structure to ambiguity.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $121,500 - $151,900 for California based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at [e-mail].