Technical Project Manager (Application Development and Deployment)

Compassx; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CompassX is seeking a hands-on Technical Project Manager to drive delivery for a fast-paced custom software initiative. You will partner with Operations to shape the product vision, lead engineering through development cadences, manage the backlog, plan releases, and remove blockers as a senior individual-contributor.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years delivering software in lean, small-team environments, can write technical specs and user stories, review APIs, and test builds on physical devices.

Qualifications

• 8+ years as Technical PM/Scrum Master/Agile Delivery Lead delivering custom software (mobile, web, or API integrations)
• Translate product goals into developer-ready tickets with clear acceptance criteria
• Hands-on release validation and testing on physical devices/endpoints
• Unblock software engineers; clarify edge cases and maintain team productivity
• Backlog and ticket management; write technical specs and user stories
• Comfort talking code and reviewing APIs; discuss architecture with developers
• Hybrid availability: based in LA/OC with on-site flexibility

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Agile delivery: daily standups, sprint planning, backlog grooming, release tracking for a dedicated engineering team
• Translate product goals into technical tickets with acceptance criteria
• Unblock engineers and maintain team velocity
• Hands-on release validation on physical devices during release cycles
• Manage dependencies and provide clear progress updates to stakeholders
• Demonstrate a proven software delivery background in lean small-team environments
• Maintain backlog and ticket rigor with robust technical specs and user stories
• Demonstrate technical fluency and ability to discuss architecture with developers
• Test and validate builds on physical devices and endpoints
• Be available for hybrid on-site work in LA/OC as needed
• Operate with a builder mindset emphasizing speed and pragmatism

Skills

Lean Agile Delivery

Backlog Management

Technical Specs & User Stories

Release Planning

Stakeholder Communication

Hybrid/On-site Collaboration

Education

CS/Engineering degree

Job description

CompassX is a boutique business and technology consulting firm. We help Fortune 500 and high-growth clients deliver their most strategic initiatives, from enterprise transformations to digital and data-driven projects. With over 15 years of proven results, we’ve expanded across industries including financial services, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, consumer products, and quick service restaurants.

We are honored to be recognized as a three-time winner of Consulting Magazine’s Best Boutique Firms to Work For, and previously recognized as a “Best Place to Work” in Southern California and one of INC.’s 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

We are looking for a hands-on Technical Project Manager to drive delivery for a fast-paced custom software initiative. You will work with Operations to draw out the product vision and manage engineering to develop the platform. You will lead a core team through development cadences, manage the backlog, plan the releases, and clear blockers for the team.

This is a senior individual-contributor delivery role. We're looking for someone who understands the details and is less reliant on top-down governance structures.

• Drive Lean Agile Delivery: Lead daily standups, sprint planning, backlog grooming, and release tracking for a dedicated custom software engineering team.
• Translate Product Goals into Technical Tickets: Turn high-level requirements into developer-ready user stories, technical tasks, or API integration specifications with clear acceptance criteria.
• Unblock Software Engineers: Actively resolve bottlenecks, clarify edge cases, and maintain team productivity.
• Hands-On Release Validation: Test, validate, and troubleshoot custom app builds directly on physical devices and endpoints as part of the release cycle.
• Manage Dependencies & Stakeholder Updates: Keep sprint velocity predictable and provide clean, transparent progress updates to business and technology stakeholders without adding unnecessary administrative overhead
• Proven Software Delivery Background: 8+ years of experience as a Technical PM, Scrum Master, or Agile Delivery Lead driving custom software development (mobile, web, or API integrations) — ideally in lean small-team environments rather than large enterprise PMO structures.
• Backlog & Ticket Expertise: Strong ability to write technical specs and user stories and manage sprint boards.
• Technical Fluency: A degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience — you can comfortably talk code, review API endpoints, and digest technical architecture with developers.
• Comfort with Physical Devices: Willingness and ability to test and validate builds on physical hardware/endpoints as part of the release process - prior exposure to mobile apps, POS systems, digital kiosks, or connected devices is a plus.
• Hybrid Availability: Based in LA / OC with the flexibility to work on-site where needed.
• Builder Mindset: A preference for pragmatic, tenacious, and high-speed execution over heavy processes.

Our consultants say CompassX is a place where they can truly find their own path. As part of a smaller firm, they see the impact of their work, have an identity, and know their voice matters. They value the freedom to take the reins of their careers, shape their client work, and maintain a direct line to leadership.

With CompassX’s focus on serving local Southern California clients, consultants not only build lasting relationships but also see the results of their work in the communities where they live.

At CompassX, you won’t just follow a path - you’ll create one.