Staff Technical Program Manager, Autonomy (AI/ML) at Rivian

Role Overview

Join Rivian's Autonomy TPM team in Palo Alto, California as a Staff Technical Program Manager, Autonomy (AI/ML). Rivian is revolutionizing the EV industry with emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles, and our Autonomy organization is at the forefront of developing next-generation self-driving technology. This isn't a note-taking scrum master role—it's about executing high-stakes, cross-functional projects that power Rivian's autonomy stack.

From sense and compute hardware to Perception & Pose (powered by ML), Planning & Controls, Infrastructure & Simulation for ML training/validation, you'll drive initiatives that deliver a world-class Autonomy product. If you thrive in ambiguity, love deep tech, and have a passion for AI/ML in resource-constrained environments like automotive hardware, this Rivian career is your adventure.

Key Responsibilities at Rivian

As a Staff TPM, you'll own programs from inception to delivery. Here's what you'll do daily:

• Lead cutting-edge programs blending hardware, software, and regulatory demands in autonomy.
• Drive ownership by diving into technical details, ensuring seamless execution.
• Brief leadership including the VP of Autonomy & AI on progress, risks, and solutions.
• Make pragmatic tradeoffs to meet timelines, optimizing ML iteration, data pipelines, and compute.
• Navigate ambiguity with clear options and recommendations on features, metrics, and performance.
• Leverage influence as an insider/outsider to enforce accountability across teams.
• Mentor TPMs on ML-centric program management and craft development.
• Coordinate dependencies across HW, Perception (ML-heavy), Planning, Simulation, and Integration.
• Collaborate externally on data sharing, model deployment, and AI/ML integrations.

Expect to prototype side projects in AI/ML or robotics—Rivian values curious, hands-on innovators.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this Technical Program Manager Autonomy role, you need:

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or equivalent with AI/ML expertise.
• Experience managing AI/ML programs in deep tech, including data pipelines and metrics-driven eval.
• Hands-on with ML products, understanding deployment challenges on automotive hardware.
• Bonus: Autonomy, Robotaxi, Robotics experience; resource-constrained ML development.
• Strong soft skills for cross-functional influence and external partnerships.
• Proven ability to mentor and drive decisions in fast-paced ML environments.

Rivian seeks diverse backgrounds united by a love for the outdoors and innovation.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $167,400 - $209,300 USD yearly for California applicants (based on experience, location, and factors permitted by law). Rivian's total rewards include:

• Day-one medical/dental/vision for employees, partners, and kids under 26.
• Competitive pay in Palo Alto's tech hub.
• Career growth in autonomy AI/ML.
• Robust PTO and wellness programs.
• EV perks and outdoor adventure culture.

Why Join Rivian?

Rivian isn't just building EVs—we're accelerating the world toward sustainable adventure. Work on real-world autonomy that integrates ML with hardware for safe, thrilling self-driving. Our Palo Alto team challenges norms, reframes problems, and operates in the unknown. Enjoy a diverse, mission-driven culture committed to protecting the planet. As an equal opportunity employer, Rivian welcomes all qualified talent.

Thrive in a collaborative space with access to state-of-the-art sims, compute, and HW. Prototype your wildest AI ideas while impacting millions. Rivian: Where curiosity meets courage.

How to Apply

Ready to lead Rivian's autonomy revolution? Apply now for this Staff TPM role in Palo Alto. Submit your resume highlighting AI/ML TPM experience. Need accommodations? Email candidateaccommodations@rivian.com. Don't miss this chance to shape the future of EV autonomy—positions fill fast!