Staff Technical Program Manager - Paint

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

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a highly organized Technical Program Manager to drive the execution of complex programs, typically exceeding $50M. You will define scope, schedule, and budget, ensure cross-functional alignment, and maintain clear communication with external partners to deliver program success.

Located at Normal, IL with potential sites in Plymouth, MI or Atlanta, GA, the role requires proactive risk management, leadership, and the ability to translate ambiguous goals into concrete tasks across

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage large, cross-functional programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across teams.
• Experience in risk management and issue resolution.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive complex programs with budgets typically >$50M.
• Define scope, schedules, milestones, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and external partners.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain transparent status reporting and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Project planning

Stakeholder management

Team collaboration

Tools

JIRA

Google Drive

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

Rivian is seeking a highly organized and results-oriented Technical Program Manager to drive the successful execution of complex, high-impact programs, typically exceeding $50M. In this role, you will be instrumental in defining, maintaining, and delivering program scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams and external partners. You will foster strong working relationships, proactively manage risks, and establish clear communication channels to ensure program success and contribute to Rivian's mission of redefining sustainable transportation and energy. This role is located at our Normal, IL/Plymouth, MI or Atlanta, GA facility and reports directly to a Director, Manufacturing Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Program Management: Own and develop comprehensive program plans, including scope definition and maintenance, detailed schedules with critical milestones and gates (looking 1-3 years out for new product launches), and robust budget and resource planning for programs >$50M. Regularly report on program status, demonstrating measured success in schedule, budget, and scope delivery.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Partnerships: Cultivate strong partnerships with internal engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and other relevant teams, as well as external vendors and suppliers. Proactively identify and document the needs and outputs of cross-functional teams to ensure seamless collaboration. Represent Rivian effectively in interactions with external partners, demonstrating autonomy and driving program success.
• Team Collaboration & Influence: Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, becoming a recognized leader and a vital part of the working team. Facilitate smooth interactions and effectively manage interpersonal dynamics to minimize disruptions. While working independently of people managers, you will often guide working teams to prioritize and focus on critical tasks and projects, leveraging the manufacturing plan of record to set expectations with cross-functional partners.
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Identify, document, and manage risks at the program level, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Program Planning & Execution: Create and maintain detailed program plans for new product launches with a 1-3 year horizon, clearly outlining critical milestones and gates.
• Organizational Tools & Communication: Establish and manage systems for action tracking (e.g., JIRA) and documentation (e.g., ACC, Google Drive) from the ground up. Develop and deliver clear and concise program status reports on a regular basis, ensuring accuracy and requiring minimal correction. Align the team around consistent methods of organization and communication.
• Agility & Problem Solving: Take ambiguous goals and translate them into specific, actionable tasks for firefighting and burn-down activities, assisting technical leads in prioritizing competing projects. Proactively identify areas where cross-functional support is needed and effectively leverage partnerships to secure the necessary resources