Staff Technical Program Manager (Manufacturing Engineering & Automation)
Role summary
Rivian is seeking a Staff Technical Program Manager to lead Digital Manufacturing Engineering projects focused on factory automation, controls, and robotics systems. This role involves guiding cross-functional teams through the entire project lifecycle, from concept to launch, including design, procurement, installation, and commissioning. The TPM will be responsible for developing automation standards, creating roadmaps for digital and AI development, and managing system integrators and vendors. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and at least 7 years of experience launching industrial equipment in manufacturing settings, with specific expertise in manufacturing tooling and equipment.
As one of our Technical Program Managers, you will oversee Digital Manufacturing Engineering projects from concept through launch, including conceptualization, design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and turnover to Operations. This role will focus on the development of Rivian’s core factory automation and controls & robotics systems. Depending on your background and interest, you could lead projects across the factory including Battery, Drive Unit, Stamping, Body-Weld, Paint, Plastics, General Assembly, and more. This role is located at our Plymouth, MI facility and reports director to the Sr. Director, Manufacturing Engineering and Automation.
- Guide a cross-functional team comprised of engineering, CAPEX, supply chain, construction management, and others to design, integrate, and deploy standard automation, Ai and industrial equipment.
- Support Ai, Controls & Robotics automation, conveyors and digital systems development, schedule, and cost in a rapidly evolving environment.
- Build comprehensive line specifications and automation standards, taking input from other Engineering teams and Operations.
- Create and maintain a digital and Ai development roadmap for your area.
- Lead meetings and document meeting minutes, open issues, and specific team follow-up items.
- Collaborate with all parties to review and maintain project timing that fulfills company requirements.
- Coordinate tool, part, and equipment delivery that supports program milestones.
- Develop and implement systems and processes that streamline department business practices.
- Collaborate with team leaders to prioritize, resource, and track progress of team projects.
- Work with the rest of the Technical Program Management team to develop the Manufacturing Engineering team’s equipment development and validation processes.
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent experience in an engineering discipline, preferably Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial.
- 7+ years' experience developing and launching industrial equipment and tooling in manufacturing environments. At least one launch serving as a project manager a plus.
- Specific experience required in the manufacturing tooling and equipment space. This direct experience can be at the engineer or technical level.
- Experience leading design and manufacturing validation activities such as D/PFMEA, DV/PV testing, PPAP, etc.
- Appreciation for the art of managing evolving project requirements in a fast-paced, ever changing environment.
- Experience using a standard product development process. Experience with Smartsheets and or Microsoft Project a plus.
- Experience managing system integrators, vendors, and 3rd party resources.
- Highly collaborative mindset with strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Ability to zoom out to understand and appreciate upstream and downstream contributors/customers specific motivations and requirements.