Senior Technical Program Manager

Job description

At Niantic Spatial, we’re building the future of geospatial AI. Powered by a proprietary database of over 30 billion posed images and a groundbreaking third-generation digital map, our mission is to develop spatial intelligence that helps both humans and machines better understand, navigate, and engage with the physical world. Our high-fidelity mapping technology unlocks a new dimension of interaction—laying the foundation for AI to truly comprehend and operate within real-world environments. Join us as we build a living model of the world that people and machines can talk to. As a Senior/Staff Technical Program Manager, you'll be at the forefront of shaping our programs to build customer-facing technology and evolve our Large Geospatial Model. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire program lifecycle, from initial concept and strategy to execution and delivery. You will work cross-functionally with engineering, product management, research, and business development to ensure the successful development and customer deployment of our large geospatial model. RESPONSIBILITIES: - Manage complex, cross-functional programs from strategy through execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. Be equally comfortable driving executive-level alignment and working directly with teams to resolve day-to-day execution challenges. - Establish and optimize program management processes, tools, and best practices to enhance efficiency and transparency. Create practical mechanisms that improve delivery, and actively participate in the operational work required to implement and maintain them. - Communicate program status, risks, dependencies, and key decisions to executive leadership and stakeholders while maintaining a detailed understanding of project plans, milestones, action items, and execution metrics. - Partner closely with engineering and research teams to define technical requirements, allocate resources, manage dependencies, mitigate risks, and drive execution to targeted results. Be willing to dive into technical and operational details to unblock teams and accelerate delivery. - Anticipate and resolve potential roadblocks through a combination of strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving, and hands-on program management. Own follow-through on critical issues and ensure decisions are translated into action. - Champion a user-centric approach, ensuring that the technologies underpinning our geospatial models effectively deliver value to Niantic Spatial customers. Connect customer outcomes to execution priorities and help teams make informed trade-offs throughout the development process. - Take ownership of the operational cadence of programs, including maintaining plans, tracking deliverables, coordinating cross-team dependencies, driving meetings, documenting decisions, and ensuring accountability for commitments. - Work Location: This position requires 3 days per week in our San Francisco office. QUALIFICATIONS: - 5+ years of experience in technical program management - Proven track record of managing complex programs in the fields of machine learning, artificial intelligence, or geospatial technologies. - Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and various program management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum). - Experience in using Agentic tools to optimize your effectiveness as a TPM - Strong technical acumen, with the ability to engage in detailed discussions with engineers and researchers. - Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. - Experience with geospatial data, mapping technologies, and large-scale model development is highly desirable. - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field; a Master's degree is a plus. CANDIDATE PRIVACY POLICY I understand that by submitting my job application, the information I provide as part of that application will be used in accordance with Niantic Spatial’s Privacy Notice for Job Applicants and Candidates https://www.nianticspatial.com/applicant-privacy-notice. If required by law, by submitting my job application I consent to the processing of my information as described in that Notice, including processing information I voluntarily disclose to Niantic Spatial, such as health or medical information, race or ethnicity data, and sexual orientation data and, in limited circumstances sharing information with third parties such as references and other third parties that assist in the hiring process. Niantic Spatial is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Niantic Spatial are considered without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under applicable laws. Niantic Spatial, will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact your recruiter if you want to request an accommodation for the job application or interview process