What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing position at Comrise?
Technical Program Manager, R&D Testing
Location: Foster City, CA 94404 (Onsite)
Contract: Approx. 6 months
Salary: $80-90/hour (W2 only)
Industry: Autonomous Mobility Company
About the Role
We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead R&D testing operations within a cutting-edge mobility and advanced technology environment. This role is responsible for driving end-to-end execution of testing programs in closed-course settings, ensuring seamless coordination across teams, partners, and resources.
You’ll work at the intersection of engineering, operations, and program management—owning testing strategy, improving operational efficiency, and enabling critical pre-deployment milestones.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and evolve R&D testing strategy in collaboration with engineering, operations, finance, procurement, and PMO teams
- Oversee end-to-end testing operations, ensuring timelines, resources, and deliverables are met
- Build and maintain clear processes, documentation, and governance frameworks
- Drive cross-functional alignment and facilitate communication across stakeholders
- Manage external vendor relationships, including proving grounds and equipment providers
- Own budget planning and tracking for test tracks, equipment, and testing resources
- Deliver program reporting, including status updates, risks, and key milestones
- Maintain strong technical context across vehicle systems, software lifecycle, and testing workflows
What We’re Looking For
- 5–8 years of experience in program management, engineering, or consulting
- Proven success managing complex, cross-functional technical programs
- Experience working with testing operations, hardware/software integration, or validation environments
- Strong understanding of program management tools (e.g., JIRA, Smartsheet, Gantt charts, risk tracking)
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in automotive, robotics, autonomous systems, or related industries
- Experience with system architecture, safety-critical systems, or test & validation
- Track record of building and scaling processes, reporting, and operational frameworks
- Strong ability to manage budgets, vendors, and external partnerships
Key Traits for Success
- Highly collaborative and cross-functional
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Comfortable handling tight timelines and high-pressure environments
- Proactive, detail-oriented, and execution-focused
- Curious mindset with a drive to continuously learn and improve
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Interview Process
- Complete a 6-item questionnaire
- 30-minute interview with the Hiring Manager (virtual)
- Panel interview (onsite)
Salary : $80 - $90