What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr Technical Program Manager position at LAIKA Studios?
General Summary
At LAIKA, technology meets artistry to tell timeless stories through groundbreaking stop motion animation. As our Sr Technical Program Manager, you’ll help shape the future of filmmaking by building the systems and strategies that power our studio’s innovation. You’ll lead cross functional collaboration across our Technology division, designing scalable approaches to project planning, execution, and reporting. In this role, you’ll ensure our technology initiatives align with LAIKA’s broader creative and operational goals, while championing consistent project management practices and clear stakeholder communication.
Job Functions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
On-Site in Hillsboro, OR, and eligible for hybrid or remote work.
Salary
Salary Is Commensurate With Skills And Experience.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Please review our EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER and MATERIALS SUBMISSION AGREEMENT.
At LAIKA, technology meets artistry to tell timeless stories through groundbreaking stop motion animation. As our Sr Technical Program Manager, you’ll help shape the future of filmmaking by building the systems and strategies that power our studio’s innovation. You’ll lead cross functional collaboration across our Technology division, designing scalable approaches to project planning, execution, and reporting. In this role, you’ll ensure our technology initiatives align with LAIKA’s broader creative and operational goals, while championing consistent project management practices and clear stakeholder communication.
Job Functions
- Collaborate with engineering and project leaders across Tech to create a unified technology roadmap, identifying interdependencies and driving effective resource planning and prioritization.
- Define and implement standardized project management processes and methodologies to support consistent tracking, reporting, and execution across teams.
- Manage a program including multiple complex, high-impact projects simultaneously—from R&D initiatives to Core Software development—across studio pipelines.
- Provide daily direction and timely feedback to cross-disciplinary teams including engineers, technical directors, analysts, and stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain detailed program-level reports and dashboards to highlight risks, monitor progress, and forecast milestones.
- Mentor project managers, technical leads, and developers in adopting consistent project management methodologies and tools.
- Partner closely with Tech leadership to support strategic initiatives and maintain clear, transparent communication with stakeholders.
- Research emerging technologies, tools, and trends—synthesizing insights and sharing recommendations with leadership to inform our long-term strategy.
- Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships across departments and vendors to ensure alignment, efficiency, and forward momentum.
- Facilitate recurring program updates and status meetings including agendas, key takeaways, action items, and follow-ups.
- 8 years relevant industry experience, including 4 years in software development or technology-focused project management.
- Proven ability to manage and deliver large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects complex software projects using Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or hybrid methodologies.
- Deep understanding of the software development life cycle and related technical workflows.
- Strong experience with workflow analysis, process improvement, and change management.
- Action oriented with a high standard for quality and performance.
- Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skill, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Hands-on experience with Jira and Confluence.
- Familiarity with software architecture concepts and design patterns is a plus.
- Action-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and a high bar for quality.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.
On-Site in Hillsboro, OR, and eligible for hybrid or remote work.
Salary
Salary Is Commensurate With Skills And Experience.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Please review our EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER and MATERIALS SUBMISSION AGREEMENT.
