Technical Program Manager

About the role:

ML developers today face significant friction in taking trained models into deployment. They work in a highly fragmented space, with incomplete and patchwork solutions that require significant performance tuning and non-generalizable/ model-specific enhancements. At Modular, we are building the next generation AI platform that will radically improve the way developers build and deploy AI models.

A core part of this offering is providing a platform that allows customers to achieve state-of-the-art performance across model families and hardware types.  In this role you will leverage your extensive technical and project management expertise to gather the necessary information required to manage projects of various size and scope by working closely with a team of engineers specializing in state of the art compiler technology, such as graph compilers and runtimes, and overlook the development of Mojo and MAX as the next generation technology platform for AI developers, and help revolutionize AI development and research.

LOCATION: Candidates based in the US or Canada are welcome to apply. You can work in our office in Los Altos, CA or remotely from home. Onboarding for new hires is conducted in-person in our Los Altos, CA office.

What you will do:

• Collaborate closely with Modular’s development team, including leading AI application researchers and kernel developers, to drive the creation and deployment of our next-generation AI platform.
• Partner with engineering and product teams to translate the vision for a unified AI platform into actionable project plans, clearly defining milestones, success criteria, and resource allocation strategies.
• Oversee the development lifecycle of Mojo and MAX, acting as a key driver in ensuring the on-time and successful delivery of this revolutionary AI technology platform.
• Understand the intricate technical requirements for achieving state-of-the-art performance across diverse model families and hardware types, managing project scope accordingly.
• Proactively identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and conflicts, implementing effective mitigation strategies to ensure smooth progress and maintain clarity on priorities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned projects, effectively managing communication flow between the development team, stakeholders, and customers.
• Provide clear and concise updates on project status, progress, and any potential issues to stakeholders and senior management, ensuring organizational alignment.
• Work cross-functionally to identify opportunities for process improvement, implement best practices, and establish robust tools and sustainable processes within our dynamic environment.
• Actively manage and contribute to Modular's engagement with relevant open-source software projects and communities that are critical to the development and success of the next-generation AI platform.

What you bring to the table:

• 6+ years of proven experience in Technical Program Management, specifically driving the development and delivery of complex software platforms, ideally within the AI/ML domain. Your background demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ML developers in deploying models.
• A strong technical foundation in AI/ML infrastructure, including a solid grasp of machine learning runtimes, graph compilers, and the critical aspects of achieving state-of-the-art performance across diverse model families and hardware types.
• Demonstrated success in partnering with engineering and product teams to translate a strategic vision into well-defined project plans, including the establishment of clear milestones, measurable success criteria, and effective resource allocation strategies.
• Experience in actively managing and contributing to relevant open-source software projects and communities that are critical to the development and success of a next-generation AI platform.
• Proven ability to proactively identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and conflicts, implementing effective mitigation strategies to maintain project momentum and clarity of priorities within dynamic environments.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to serve as the primary point of contact for projects, effectively managing communication flow and building strong relationships with development teams, stakeholders, and customers.
• Excellent ability to provide clear, concise, and timely updates on project status, progress, and potential issues to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior management, ensuring organizational alignment and transparency.

What Modular brings to the table:

• Amazing Team. We are a progressive and agile team with some of the industry’s best engineering and product leaders.
• World-class Benefits. In order to attract the best, we need to offer the best. Premier insurance plans, up to 5% 401k matching, flexible paid time off, and more are available to you! Please note that specific benefit packages may vary based on your location.
• Competitive Compensation. We offer very strong compensation packages, including stock options. We want people to be focused on their best work and believe in tailoring compensation plans to meet the needs of our workforce. 
• Team Building Events. We organize regular team onsites and local meetups in Los Altos, CA as well as different cities. Traveling 2-4 times a year is expected for all roles. 

Working at Modular will enable you to grow quickly as you work alongside incredibly motivated and talented people who have high standards, possess a growth mindset, and a purpose to truly change the world.

The estimated base salary range for this role to be performed in the US, regardless of the state, is $157,000.00 - $237,000.00 USD. 

The salary for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of permissible, non-discriminatory job-related factors, which include but are not limited to education, training, work experience, business needs, or market demands. This range may be modified in the future. The total compensation for a candidate will also include annual target bonus, equity, and benefits, with equity making up a significant portion of your total compensation.

For candidates who fall outside of the listed requirements, we nevertheless encourage you to apply as we may have openings that are lower/higher level than the ones advertised.