Technical Program Manager, Release

As a Technical Program Manager, Release at Waymo, you'll be responsible for ensuring that release tasks are organized and on schedule. You'll tackle complex challenges by facilitating communication and resolution of potential issues as they arise, while continuously seeking to improve our processes for more efficient releases. Your role is essential in collaborating with various teams to ensure the successful deployment of the Waymo Driver across multiple platforms and geographical locations.

To qualify for the Technical Program Manager, Release role at Waymo, candidates should have at least 2 years of experience managing technical projects, along with a strong grasp of software development lifecycle processes. Familiarity with system architecture and quality assurance practices is also essential. Preference will be given to those with Technical Program Management experience and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and workflows.

Waymo prefers candidates who have a background in Technical Program Management, as well as expertise in computer programming. Being able to perform as a Release Engineer and having experience with CI/CD pipelines will give you a competitive edge in this position. Additionally, strong analytical skills to interpret and understand source code will be highly valued.

The expected base salary range for the Technical Program Manager, Release position at Waymo is between $196,000 to $248,000 USD. Actual starting pay can vary based on factors like your specific work location, experience, and skill level, and your recruiter will provide details about the specific salary range tailored to your application.

Waymo offers a robust benefits package for its employees, which includes eligibility for discretionary annual bonuses and equity incentive plans. Additionally, our generous company benefits program supports your health and well-being, ensuring you have the resources to thrive both professionally and personally.

Prioritization as a Technical Program Manager should be guided by project impact and urgency. I typically use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix or MoSCoW Method to identify critical tasks. I ensure that I align my priorities with the overall project goals and communicate effectively with stakeholders to manage expectations.

One particularly challenging project involved tight deadlines and significant technical challenges. I organized daily stand-ups to improve communication and addressed issues promptly. By fostering collaboration among the teams and focusing on incremental goal achievement, we successfully met our deadlines while maintaining quality.

I have worked extensively within the software development lifecycle, covering all phases from planning to deployment. My hands-on experience enables me to understand the intricacies of each stage, allowing me to anticipate issues before they become problems and ensure smooth transitions between phases.

Risk management is critical for successful project execution. I proactively identify potential risks at the outset and continuously monitor them throughout the project lifecycle. Implementing regular risk assessments allows for timely mitigation strategies, ensuring that we can pivot and adapt as necessary.

I habitually utilize project management tools like Jira, Trello, and Asana for tracking tasks and progress. Additionally, I find collaboration tools like Slack and Zoom indispensable for maintaining open lines of communication with my team, especially in remote settings.

My experience with CI/CD methodologies has focused on automating the development, testing, and deployment processes. By implementing continuous integration practices, I enable our teams to detect errors early and reduce time to market, ultimately enhancing the quality of our software.

Communication is key when dealing with technical information. I usually break down complex concepts into simpler terms by using analogies and avoiding jargon. Visual progress reports and straightforward metrics help non-technical stakeholders understand the project's status and required actions.

Quality Assurance is integral to my project management strategy. By embedding QA early in the lifecycle, we can ensure that quality standards are met and any potential issues are identified before they escalate. I regularly work with QA teams to align testing processes with project timelines.

Motivating a team involves open communication, recognition, and providing opportunities for growth. I advocate for acknowledging team achievements and fostering an environment where team members feel valued. I also ensure that they're continuously learning and developing new skills.

Meeting project deadlines requires meticulous planning and time management. I set clear milestones, provide regular updates, and adapt plans when unforeseen challenges arise. By facilitating transparent communication and engaging with stakeholders, I ensure that everyone remains aligned and accountable.