Technical Program Manager

Imagine playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of autonomous technology, directly impacting the security and reliability of groundbreaking products that will redefine how the world moves. Aquent is partnering with an industry leader dedicated to shaping the future of transportation through next-generation autonomous mobility solutions. In this highly collaborative and impactful role, you will bridge the gap between engineering and cybersecurity, translating complex security requirements into actionable plans that protect advanced software, hardware, and connected systems. This is your opportunity to lead, innovate, and collaborate with brilliant minds to ensure that every revolutionary step forward is built on a foundation of robust cybersecurity.

About the Opportunity

Aquent has partnered with an innovative pioneer at the forefront of developing next-generation autonomous transportation solutions. Our client is building a complex ecosystem that demands the highest standards of security and reliability. We are seeking a highly experienced and passionate professional to drive critical product security initiatives. You will lead cross-functional programs that directly enhance the security posture of advanced autonomous systems, manage software vulnerabilities, and embed security throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

What You'll Do

• Lead cross-functional technical programs focused on enhancing product security, managing software vulnerabilities, and reducing overall cybersecurity risk.
• Collaborate closely with software engineering and cybersecurity teams to identify, assess, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities across all software components, including internally developed code, third-party applications, and open-source libraries.
• Develop comprehensive vulnerability remediation plans, establish clear milestones, meticulously track progress, and drive the resolution of identified security risks.
• Orchestrate remediation efforts across diverse software development teams, ensuring vulnerabilities are addressed effectively within established priorities and timelines.
• Work in tandem with security teams to interpret findings from code scanning tools, penetration testing, red teaming exercises, and other critical security assessment activities.
• Transform complex cybersecurity priorities into actionable project plans, strategic roadmaps, detailed schedules, and measurable deliverables.
• Champion security initiatives across a wide array of environments, including software applications, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, and connected technologies.
• Proactively identify program risks, dependencies, and potential bottlenecks, escalating issues as needed and driving cross-functional solutions to keep initiatives on track.
• Continuously develop and refine processes, tools, and workflows to strengthen vulnerability tracking, optimize security program execution, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise technical presentations, program updates, and status reports to effectively communicate risks, remediation progress, priorities, and accomplishments to engineering teams and senior leadership.
• Facilitate seamless collaboration among engineering, product, cybersecurity, and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of all security initiatives.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 6+ years of experience in engineering, technical program management, or management consulting, with a proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional technical initiatives.
• A strong cybersecurity background, demonstrated through direct experience leading cybersecurity initiatives or close collaboration with cybersecurity and software security teams.
• Extensive experience working with software development teams, coupled with a deep understanding of software development processes, common security vulnerabilities, and effective remediation workflows.
• Familiarity with vulnerability management principles, security risk assessments, and core cybersecurity concepts, including application security, network security, and secure software development practices.
• The ability to clearly understand and communicate technical security findings, effectively coordinate remediation efforts, and drive progress across multiple engineering teams.
• Proven experience managing technical projects that involve competing priorities, complex cross-functional dependencies, and intricate stakeholder relationships.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, with the capacity to translate broad cybersecurity requirements into concrete, actionable plans and measurable deliverables.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, including the ability to present complex technical information clearly and persuasively to both engineering teams and senior leadership.
• A demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, build robust working relationships, and drive program execution effectively without direct authority.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Previous experience as a software developer, security engineer, or DevSecOps professional who has successfully transitioned into technical program management.
• Experience managing programs related to DevSecOps, application security, product security, or cloud security.
• Familiarity with code scanning and security assessment tools, such as SonarQube or similar technologies.
• A solid understanding of penetration testing, red teaming methodologies, and vulnerability remediation processes.
• Experience with security initiatives involving cloud environments, including AWS, Google Cloud, or other cloud platforms.
• Experience managing cybersecurity programs within complex technical industries such as automotive, aviation, consumer electronics, telecommunications, or rail.
• 5+ years of dedicated automotive cybersecurity program management experience.
• Familiarity with automotive cybersecurity standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and UNECE WP.29.
• An understanding of embedded systems, connected vehicle technologies, or automotive communication protocols like CAN, Ethernet, and V2X.