Technical Program Manager
As a Technical Program Manager at Wayve, you'll lead complex, cross-functional programs across our engineering org - spanning AI, software, robotics, infrastructure, evaluation, validation, data, and product. You'll turn ambiguity into clear plans and keep multi-team delivery predictable in a fast-moving environment.
Working closely with engineering and cross-functional partners, your impact will be measured by your ability to deliver programs, drive efficiency, manage risk, and align execution with business goals. A successful TPM is a force multiplier - helping teams move faster, more effectively, and with purpose.
We hire TPMs across several areas - for example robotics, evaluation & validation, AI platform, and data operations - and we'll explore the best fit with you through the process.
Drive project delivery: Own the project lifecycle and improve delivery outcomes through structured execution and coordination.
Boost efficiency: Identify bottlenecks, streamline workflows, and improve tooling and resource allocation to increase throughput.
Enable cross-team collaboration: Improve alignment across teams through effective communication, shared goals, and faster decisions.
Manage risk proactively: Anticipate issues, develop mitigation plans, and minimise impact on timelines and quality.
Keep stakeholders aligned: Engage regularly with internal stakeholders, manage expectations, and deliver on commitments.
Align with business goals: Ensure programs directly support Wayve's strategic priorities by making smart scope and resource decisions.
Champion continuous improvement: Lead retros, encourage feedback, and implement changes to improve processes, team dynamics, and outcomes.
We're looking for the following skills and experience. (The first three are our must-haves.)
Essential
Bias for action / program delivery: 5+ years leading complex, multi-team software or technology programs in fast-paced or early-stage environments. You get things done.
Technically strong: Comfortable working with engineers and reasoning about modern software, ML, and robotics stacks, even if you don't write code.
Systems thinking: You reason about how the parts of a complex system fit together, and how a change in one area ripples into others.
Stays neutral and adapts under pressure: Effective in high-tension, ambiguous situations; you flex your style to keep people aligned and moving.
Strong project management: Skilled at planning, prioritising, managing risk and dependencies, and adapting as things change.
Clear communicator: You explain complex ideas simply, surface risk early, listen well, and keep teams aligned.
Collaborative leader: You bring people together, influence without authority, and create a positive team culture.
Strategic thinking & problem-solving: You keep the bigger picture in mind, stay calm under pressure, and find creative solutions.
Product-minded: You focus on outcomes and the people your programs serve - prioritising by impact and defining what good looks like, not just tracking activity.
Growth mindset: Open to feedback and always looking to improve.
Desirable
Ideally 8+ years as a Technical Program Manager.
An engineering or computer science degree, or experience working as an engineer; excels in Jira (or similar).
Exposure to autonomous vehicles, robotics, ML, simulation / evaluation, or other safety-critical or compute-heavy domains.
This role is a full-time role based in Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid) and the reasonably estimated salary for this role ranges from $171,600 to $274,000, plus a competitive equity package. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.