Staff IT Program Manager

Job description

ABOUT US Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world. The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone. ROLE SUMMARY At the intersection of two automotive powerhouses, this isn't your typical IT program management role. As our IT Program Manager, you'll be the connective tissue between Rivian Volkswagen Technology (RV Tech) and the broader VW Group - owning the end-to-end delivery of critical IT integrations that directly enable vehicle programs at scale. If you thrive in ambiguity, love building order from complexity, and want your work to have a tangible impact on the future of EVs, this role was built for you. This role will be located at our Palo Alto, Ca office with a flex schedule of 3 days a week onsite. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the center of one of the most significant automotive technology collaborations happening right now. You'll gain exposure across two global organizations, work on programs with real visibility, and help shape how two iconic brands build and share technology infrastructure for the next generation of vehicles. RESPONSIBILITIES - Program Ownership & Execution - Lead IT programs end-to-end - from high-level strategy through detailed execution - across a fast-paced, cross-organizational environment. - Drive the implementation of IT requirements that enable seamless systems integration between RV Tech and VW Group, ensuring data exchange, compliance, and technical alignment across both organizations. - Coordinate the rollout of software solutions, making sure the right teams are aligned and moving in the same direction at the right time. - Lead the escalation process for technical issues, ensuring timely triage, clear ownership, and structured resolution paths Cross-Organizational Collaboration - Act as the central escalation point between RV Tech and VW Group (including its associated brands), driving issue resolution with urgency and clarity. - Bridge communication between VW Group users operating in the RV Tech environment and vice versa, reducing friction and keeping programs on track. - Partner with service providers to resolve technical issues efficiently, protecting timelines and team velocity. Timeline & Delivery Management - Own the core collaboration tooling used to coordinate project plans, timelines, and deliverables across both organizations. - Align program milestones with vehicle project timelines — understanding that in automotive, a slip here has downstream consequences everywhere. Documentation & Compliance - Maintain rigorous documentation of IT activities, requirements, and timelines that teams can actually rely on. - Ensure all implemented solutions meet internal policies and external regulatory standards — no surprises at launch. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent experience). - 5+ years in the software industry with a strong focus on IT program and project management. - A track record of managing complex, cross-organizational IT programs - ideally across international teams or in a JV/partnership context. - Sharp stakeholder management skills - you know how to align people who don't share the same org chart. - Strong analytical and organizational chops; you can zoom out to set direction and zoom in to unblock a stuck dependency. - Clear, confident communicator- written and verbal - across all levels of an organization. - Technical background in software development or automotive industry is preferred TOTAL REWARDS Full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity. In addition to base salary, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies offers benefits tailored to the local market. For more information on the benefits available for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site https://rvtech.mybenefits.life. External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies” 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies 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 and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies’ service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, 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. If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment. Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/53otRWdzXPzSdWPgiel5T/07c61b0eed2d91f2f403f788fd20d315/RVTech_Candidate_Data_Privacy_Notice_-_Nov_2024.pdf and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) https://assets.ctfassets.net/2md5qhoeajym/40xUZMehbGToclkLqWXW0E/eb5b553bd8af7c607066253fbb227bda/RVTech_Candidate_Data_Privacy_Notice_-_Nov_2024_Serbian.pdf for more information. -- Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.