Sr. Technical Program Manager, Product Development AI and Data Science Careers at Rivian - Palo Alto, California

Role Overview

Join Rivian, the pioneering EV manufacturer redefining electric adventure vehicles, as a Sr. Technical Program Manager, Product Development AI and Data Science in Palo Alto, California. Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles. We're seeking a strategic leader to drive the scaling of our AI and Data Science initiatives across product development.

In this critical role, you'll develop technical roadmaps, manage cross-functional dependencies, and ensure seamless execution of AI/ML projects. Collaborate with engineering, data science, and business teams to deliver impactful solutions that support Rivian's company-wide priorities. If you thrive in ambiguous environments, love optimizing processes, and have a passion for electric vehicles and innovative tech, this is your opportunity to shape the future at Rivian.

Rivian's culture celebrates diverse backgrounds united by a love for the outdoors and commitment to protecting it. Work on cutting-edge programs involving AI applications, machine learning, hardware engineering, and IoT in the fast-paced automotive tech sector.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Sr. Technical Program Manager, you'll lead high-impact initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Drive program roadmaps and delivery: Manage complex dependencies between data science, AI projects, and cross-functional teams for seamless execution. Use roadmaps to inform broader planning, including future headcount needs.
• Ensure business value and scope control: Define requirements, timelines, and KPIs. Act as the primary stakeholder contact to balance scope against resources.
• Lead risk management: Proactively identify, track, and mitigate risks, escalating critical issues to leadership.
• Drive team planning and prioritization: Establish project intake processes, scope new initiatives, and facilitate quarterly/annual planning with OKR development and tracking.
• Develop and standardize processes: Identify optimization opportunities and implement improvements as the team scales.
• Create effective reporting: Deliver progress updates to stakeholders and leadership via weekly reports, monthly newsletters, and annual executive presentations.
• Coordinate technical needs: Work with upstream data partners and manage spending on software, cloud resources like Databricks and AWS.
• Optimize costs: Develop processes to reduce expenses in cloud environments.
• Assess ambiguous problems: Collaborate with business, engineering, and data science partners to align on technical approaches and timelines.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this Rivian career, you need:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative, STEM, or business-oriented field.
• 3-5+ years of technical program management experience in data science, software development, or similar technical environments.
• Proficiency with collaboration tools like Jira and Confluence.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications for solving business and engineering challenges.
• Strong problem-solving skills focused on product development.
• Excellent communication for leading cross-functional efforts.
• Drive to master new technologies; nice-to-haves include MBA, EV/hardware/IoT experience, basic Python and SQL.

Experience in electric vehicles, automotive tech, or scaling AI teams is highly valued.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: USD 132,100 - 165,100 base for California applicants (market estimate up to $181,600 total comp with bonuses/equity). Position determined by experience, skills, and location.

Rivian offers an unbeatable benefits package:

• Annual performance bonus and equity awards.
• Paid vacation and paid sick leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Coverage for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and children up to age 26.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building electric vehicles—we're accelerating the future of adventure. Work in Palo Alto with a team of curious, courageous innovators challenging the status quo. Our diverse backgrounds fuel breakthroughs in EV technology, AI-driven product development, and sustainable mobility.

Thrive in a collaborative environment where your impact scales company-wide. Enjoy perks like outdoor-focused culture, cutting-edge projects in AI, data science, and hardware, plus comprehensive benefits supporting work-life balance. Rivian is where technical program managers turn ambitious visions into reality.

How to Apply

Ready to accelerate your career in AI program management at Rivian? Apply now for this Sr. Technical Program Manager role in Palo Alto, CA. Submit your resume highlighting Jira, data science, and AI roadmap experience. Join us in building the future of electric adventure vehicles—positions fill fast!

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