Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing

Art is helping an on‑demand, autonomous ride‑hailing company hire a Technical Program Manager, R&D;
Testing to lead testing operations across closed‑course environments.

In this role, you’ll oversee end‑to‑end testing operations, ensuring smooth execution, cross‑functional alignment, and operational efficiency. You’ll manage relationships with proving grounds, equipment providers, and other testing partners while coordinating internal stakeholders to ensure readiness for pre‑service testing activities.

The ideal candidate is highly cross‑functional, collaborative, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, interdisciplinary environment.

• Develop and evolve R&D testing strategies in partnership with engineering, operations, finance, procurement, and PMO teams.
• Establish and maintain clear processes and documentation, ensuring roles and responsibilities are well defined and understood.
• Ensure operations teams have the resources and support needed to meet testing requirements.
• Create and manage program reporting, including regular updates on status, risks, and key milestones.
• Manage relationships with external testing partners, including proving grounds and equipment suppliers.
• Define and manage budgets for test tracks, equipment, and other testing resources.
• Maintain a strong technical understanding of vehicle platforms, software life cycles, and testing operations to support effective decision‑making.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering, program management, or management consulting.
• Experience coordinating schedules and managing shared resources or assets.
• Robust ability to communicate clearly and tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts, risk matrices, Smartsheet, Jira).
• Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to visualize KPIs and program risks.

• Experience with system architecture, safety‑critical systems, or test and validation.
• Prior technical program management experience.
• Experience in automotive product development or with a Tier 1 OEM.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross‑functional programs or facilities.
• Experience developing and scaling processes, reporting, and escalation frameworks.
• Strong prioritization and time management skills in fast‑paced environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, high‑pressure environments.
• Demonstrated ownership, curiosity, and willingness to solve complex problems.

• Pre‑tax commuter benefits.
• Subsidized healthcare benefits (eligibility begins on the first of the month following 60 days of service).
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare‑related costs.
• Hire Art covers all costs for short‑ and long‑term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) package.

Commitment:
This is a full‑time, ongoing contract position staffed via Hire Art. It will be onsite and available to candidates who are local to the Foster City, CA area.

Hire Art values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp‑to‑corp.