Technical Program Manager

Aquent is partnering with an innovative company that is revolutionizing the autonomous mobility landscape. This organization is at the forefront of developing a next-generation transportation solution, integrating cutting-edge software, advanced hardware, and sophisticated connected systems. Join us and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of autonomous technology, directly impacting the security and reliability of groundbreaking products that will redefine transportation.

About Our Client

Our client is an industry leader dedicated to shaping the future of transportation through autonomous technology. They are building a complex ecosystem that demands the highest standards of security and reliability. This is an opportunity to contribute to a mission that will transform how people and goods move, ensuring that every innovation is built on a foundation of robust cybersecurity.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly experienced and passionate individual to drive critical cybersecurity initiatives focused on product security. In this exciting role, you will be at the heart of protecting advanced autonomous systems, leading cross-functional programs that directly enhance the security posture of next-generation transportation solutions. Your expertise will be crucial in managing software vulnerabilities, coordinating remediation efforts, and embedding security throughout the entire software development lifecycle, ensuring the integrity and safety of groundbreaking technology.

You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between engineering and cybersecurity, translating complex security requirements into actionable plans. Your work will directly influence the security architecture of advanced software, hardware, and connected systems, making a tangible impact on the safety and trustworthiness of future mobility solutions. This is your chance to lead, innovate, and collaborate with brilliant minds to secure the future of autonomous transportation.

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.

What You'll Bring

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.