Senior Technical Program Manager

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.

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