Technical Program Manager, TRS

As a Technical Program Manager at Anduril Industries, you are tasked with defining testing roadmaps for Group 1-3 drones, coordinating testing events, managing cross-team projects, and ensuring that the organization’s technical roadmap is understood by all teams. You will work closely with engineering leads to drive successful program execution and address any systemic issues that may arise.

To qualify for the Technical Program Manager position at Anduril Industries, you should have a minimum of 5+ years of experience in a similar role within autonomous systems or robotics. Familiarity with software development and project management methodologies is crucial. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related engineering discipline is preferred, along with eligibility for a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Essential skills for a Technical Program Manager at Anduril Industries include strong technical aptitude regarding robotics and software development. A solid understanding of project management, both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, is necessary, along with excellent communication and analytical skills. The ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment is also important.

At Anduril Industries, the work environment encourages innovation and collaboration. As a Technical Program Manager, you’ll work within a multidisciplinary team, engaging with engineers and product leads to ensure successful project delivery. The atmosphere is dynamic and focused on both individual and team growth, promoting creative problem-solving and efficient project management.

In the role of Technical Program Manager at Anduril Industries, you will manage various projects related to the development and testing of aerial drones like Ghost and Altius. This includes everything from software testing initiatives to coordinating demonstrations at test sites, and ensuring that all projects align with the technical roadmap and company milestones.

When prioritizing tasks as a Technical Program Manager, consider the project’s strategic objectives and deadlines. Utilize tools like Agile methodologies to manage tasks effectively while communicating transparently with your team about priorities and any adjustments required to ensure project success.

Discuss your direct experience implementing Agile practices in past projects. Highlight specific instances where you facilitated Agile sprints, utilized backlogs for task prioritization, and encouraged collaboration among team members to adapt to changes quickly and effectively.

Effectively managing cross-functional teams requires clear communication, regular check-ins, and establishing common goals. Share strategies such as conducting joint planning sessions, utilizing project management tools for visibility, and fostering a collaborative culture to ensure the team works harmoniously towards shared objectives.

Address project delays by first identifying the root cause of the issue. Once determined, communicate openly with your team and stakeholders. Implement a revised plan of action, adjusting priorities and deadlines while maintaining transparency to rebuild trust and focus efforts on delivering the project promptly.

Highlight specific tools you have used, such as JIRA or Confluence, to manage project timelines, track progress, and facilitate communication among teams. Describe how these tools have enhanced your workflow and improved overall project outcomes.

Share a specific example of a complex issue, detailing the analysis and steps taken to resolve it. Emphasize your ability to mobilize resources, engage stakeholders, and implement solutions while maintaining project momentum.

To ensure technical requirements are met, I collaborate closely with technical leads and engage in detailed discussions during the planning phase. I leverage walkthrough sessions, review technical documents, and establish checkpoints to verify that the project meets defined specifications throughout its lifecycle.

Communication is fundamental to successful project management. I prioritize transparent dialogue among teams, encourage feedback, and ensure that key stakeholders are informed of project progress and developments. This fosters trust and helps mitigate risks associated with misunderstandings.

My approach to risk management involves identifying potential risks early in the project lifecycle, assessing their impact, and developing mitigation strategies. I regularly review the project plan and involve team members in discussing risks to ensure everyone is aligned and prepared.

Balancing competing priorities requires careful assessment of urgency and impact. I facilitate discussions between teams to understand their needs, prioritize tasks based on strategic goals, and clarify expectations. Open dialogue helps to resolve conflicts and align efforts towards shared outcomes.