Sr. Staff Technical Program Manager - Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 

The Sr. Staff Technical Program Manager for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) will be a key leader within the Enterprise Technology Vehicle and Fleet Applications team. This role is essential for driving software programs that are critical to Rivian’s vehicle manufacturing processes, ensuring the seamless integration and optimization of MES software to meet evolving production needs. You will lead cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance manufacturing efficiency, quality, and scalability, and play a pivotal role in Rivian's global expansion and production capabilities. This role will be based out of our factory in Normal, IL and report directly to the Sr. Manager, MFG IT Program.

• Strategic Program Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic framework for managing a complex portfolio of software programs related to MES, aligned with Rivian’s manufacturing objectives and growth strategy.
• End-to-End Program Management: Oversee the entire lifecycle of software programs, from initial planning and development to deployment and optimization. Manage scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful program execution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with product teams, manufacturing engineers, SAP, and other stakeholders to drive IT initiatives and ensure alignment across all functions. Foster a collaborative and transparent environment to achieve project milestones and deliver value.
• Integration and Deployment: Lead the deployment of MES software solutions within manufacturing environments, ensuring smooth integration with existing systems and minimal disruption to operations.
• Change Management: Develop and execute change management plans to ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies, minimizing operational friction and enhancing productivity.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with software programs. Implement strategies to manage risks and ensure project alignment and stakeholder engagement throughout the program lifecycle.
• Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement: Ensure all deliverables meet high-quality standards and regulatory requirements. Continuously identify opportunities for process improvement and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, clients, team members, and third-party vendors. Communicate program status, progress, and performance effectively to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Reporting and Documentation: Establish a regular cadence for reporting on program progress, risks, and key developments. Maintain comprehensive project documentation to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Team Leadership and Development: Mentor and guide project team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Encourage professional growth and ensure the team is equipped to tackle program challenges.

• 8+ years of experience in technical program management, preferably in manufacturing or a related field.
• BS in Engineering or similar technical degree required.
• Strong foundation in software engineering principles and practices.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end product deployments in a fast-paced environment, from concept through development to launch.
• Proficiency in program management and communication tools such as Confluence, Jira, and scheduling software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a strong ability to drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, operate in ambiguous situations, and solve complex problems effectively.
• Experience in change management and implementing new technologies in a production environment is highly desirable.

Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. 

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.  

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.