Senior Technical Program Manager, Ads & ML Platform

Location: Bellevue, United States | Los Angeles, Canada | Palo Alto, United States | Seattle, United States

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full time

About Snap Inc

Snap Inc is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Snap contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.

About the Role

Snap Inc is a camera company believing the camera transforms how people live, express themselves, and connect in the moment. As the Senior Technical Program Manager, Ads & ML Platform in Engineering, you'll drive high-impact programs fueling Snapchat's AR-powered ads, personalized Lenses, and Spectacles innovation. Unlike traditional TPM roles, you'll be a hands-on technical leader—writing Python notebooks, crafting dashboards, and owning ambiguous initiatives that scale ML infrastructure for billions of daily snaps. Partner with engineering leaders to architect roadmaps blending ads precision with creative AR magic, ensuring our platforms deliver immersive, real-time experiences that redefine social connection. In this single-threaded ownership role, you'll navigate complex dependencies across Ads, ML, and core teams, from ideation through operational excellence. Leverage deep data analytics to extract insights from camera-captured moments, optimizing ad relevance and AR model performance while championing reliability and cost-efficiency. Build tools that boost developer velocity for Lens Studio creators, influence architectural decisions for cloud-native ML pipelines, and mentor the next generation of TPMs in Snap's fast-paced, innovative culture. Thrive in ambiguity with engineering rigor and strategic vision, earning trust through execution that powers Snap's products. Our rigorous interview process—technical screens, HackerRank data challenges, and leadership deep-dives—ensures we hire operators who think like engineers and act like owners. Join Snap's diverse, creative community under our 'Default Together' policy (4+ days in-office), where we prioritize innovation, equity, and fun to build the future of AR and camera technology.

What You'll Do

• Lead complex, cross-functional programs spanning Ads and ML Platform teams, requiring deep technical understanding of camera-driven AR experiences and ad personalization at Snap scale
• Operate as a single-threaded owner (STO) for high-stakes programs powering Snapchat's real-time ML models for Lenses, ads, and creative tools
• Own the full lifecycle of programs—from ideation to execution—delivering outcomes that enhance AR innovation, ad performance, and platform reliability
• Partner with engineering and product leadership to shape roadmaps for ML infrastructure supporting Snapchat's camera-first ecosystem
• Use hands-on data analytics (Python, SQL, dashboards) to uncover insights from vast AR and ad datasets, guiding decisions for creative, immersive experiences
• Build automation tools and internal systems to accelerate engineering velocity in developing next-gen AR glasses and Lens Studio features
• Drive development programs across multiple orgs with complex interdependencies, ensuring seamless integration of ML models into Snapchat's live moments
• Lead platform excellence initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency, and cost optimization for Ads & ML systems handling billions of daily snaps
• Mentor junior TPMs and engineers, fostering Snap's creative culture of innovation in camera technology and AR
• Influence technical architecture trade-offs to balance performance, privacy, and scalability in high-scale consumer AR environments
• Establish operating rhythms that align Ads, ML, and core engineering teams to fuel Snap's mission of empowering authentic expression

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in an analytical field (Computer Science, Engineering, Science, Math, etc.) or equivalent years of experience
• 6+ years of experience spanning Engineering / Data Science / Technical Program Management leading cross-functional efforts in the software or tech industry in a data-driven environment
• 3+ years of experience in Technical Program Management
• Prior experience leading the development of a complex and business critical application platform in the cloud, collecting requirements, getting customer teams to onboard and maintaining operational excellence
• Hands on SQL/Presto/BigQuery/Redshift experience
• Development experience using Python (numpy, pandas, etc.) or other scripting language to do data analysis, advanced analytics and development of automation tools
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g. Grafana, Looker, Tableau, DataStudio) building dashboards, source control (e.g. GitHub), ticket management (e.g. JIRA)
• Excellent communication skills, ability to influence and hold teams accountable

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in software engineering, machine learning, or infrastructure systems
• Prior hands-on experience with big data technologies such as Spark, Airflow, Hive, Kafka, or Flink
• Familiarity with cloud-native infrastructure (e.g., AWS, GCP) and containerization tools like Kubernetes or Docker
• Deep understanding of ML development workflows, model lifecycle management, or experimentation frameworks
• Experience managing production systems, reliability initiatives, or cost optimization programs
• Masters or PhD in a highly analytical field

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Technical program leadership in ML and ads platforms
• Hands-on Python for data analysis and automation (numpy, pandas)
• Advanced SQL querying (Presto, BigQuery, Redshift)
• Dashboard creation with Grafana, Looker, or Tableau
• Cloud platform development and operations (AWS/GCP)
• Source control and collaboration (GitHub, JIRA)
• Cross-functional influence and stakeholder communication
• Big data processing (Spark, Airflow, Kafka)
• ML workflows and model lifecycle management
• Containerization (Kubernetes, Docker)
• Systems reliability and cost optimization
• Strategic roadmap planning and execution
• First-principles problem-solving in ambiguous environments
• Storytelling and presentations to executives
• Mentoring and team development
• Privacy and performance in consumer tech
• Agile program management at scale

Our Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Emotional and mental health support programs
• Competitive compensation packages with equity
• 401(k) matching and financial wellness resources
• Flexible paid time off and wellness stipends
• Onsite perks including meals, fitness facilities, and creative spaces
• Professional development opportunities and learning stipends
• Discounts on Spectacles AR glasses and Snap merchandise

Compensation

$190,000-$284,000 annually

This position is eligible for equity in the form of RSUs.

"Default Together" Policy: At Snap Inc, we practice a "default together" approach and expect team members to work in an office 4+ days per week.

Snap is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.