RCI-FB-69568-1 Program Manager (AI automation products) - Remote

Product operations analyst / manager

Top 3 must-have HARD skills:

• Must have several years of AI experience
• Must have prior product or engineering operations experience
• Must have prior experience with innovation processes

Good to have skills:

• Experience in a software or, preferably a hardware company with consumer electronics
• Strong communication and collaboration skills: go getter personality
• Prior Client experience is an asset

Summary:

• We are looking for a Technology Operations & AI Automation Program Manager to transform our technology innovation operations.
• This role manages the end-to-end operational processes that track, report on, and govern our technology portfolio — and then systematically automates those processes using AI.
• This role will work closely with hardware engineering leads, program managers, product managers, business operations, and finance teams to transform a manual, labor-intensive operations function and make it self-sustaining through intelligent automation.
• You will start by running the operations, then progressively replace manual workflows with AI-driven pipelines until the process largely runs itself.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product or technology operations, engineering operations, or program management in a hardware or technology development environment Demonstrated experience building operational automation using AI/LLM tools (e.g., building AI agents, writing prompts and skills for LLM-based workflows, or deploying AI-assisted data pipelines)
• Experience designing data flows from intake to output — forms, databases, dashboards, and automated reports Track record of driving process adoption across engineering or cross-functional teams Strong communication skills
• Ability to translate operational data into actionable insights for both engineering teams and senior leadership Self-directed work style with comfort owning an entire operational domain independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with stage-gate or milestone-based technology development processes (e.g., NPI, technology readiness levels, innovation pipelines) Familiarity with Client's internal tools and workflows
• Experience with portfolio management, budget forecasting, or program operations at scale in a hardware
• R&D organization Hands-on experience with AI application platforms, no-code/low-code database tools (e.g., AppSheet, Airtable), or AI-native development environments Background in wearable devices, AR/VR, consumer electronics, or related hardware domains

Job Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Maintain and Automate Core Operations: Maintain and execute the existing operational process for a portfolio of 15–20 active technology innovation projects, using this hands-on execution to thoroughly document and prepare all existing workflows (including progress tracking, milestone reporting, stakeholder updates, and executive dashboards) for subsequent AI-driven automation.
• Design & Build the Automation Core: Architect, develop, and deploy AI-powered automation pipelines to systematically replace manual operational workflows (e.g., data reconciliation, status tracking, and report generation) for the technology innovation portfolio.
• Establish a Unified Data Foundation: Consolidate fragmented data sources (spreadsheets, databases, slide decks, chat threads) into a unified, automated data intake and processing that serves as the central source of truth for the organization.
• Implement Central Intelligence: Lead the selection and implementation of an AI-augmented database platform that serves as the central intelligence layer for the technology portfolio
• Drive process adoption: Champion adoption of new automated processes across cross-functional hardware engineering teams, ensuring that new workflows are used effectively
• Deliver AI-generated insights: Provide leadership with regular, AI-generated insights on portfolio health, engineering investment efficiency, technology success rates, and resource forecasting

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities.
• Present and explain proposals, reports and findings to clients.
• Recruit employees, assign, direct, and evaluate their work, and oversee the development and maintenance of staff competence.
• Analyze technology, resource needs and market demand, to plan and assess the feasibility of projects.
• Confer with management, production and marketing staff to discuss project specifications and procedures.
• Review and recommend or approve contracts and cost estimates.
• Direct, review and approve product designs and changes.
• Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

Nice to Have Skills:

• Verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and manage one’s time.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills necessary to provide support and constructive performance feedback.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Strong knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and production methods.
• Strong knowledge of computer software, such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, Visio etc.