AI Technical Program Manager (US-based) (United States)

Applause is looking for seasoned AI Technical Program Manager for a long-term role with a prolific Client (software/hardware/cloud/AI) in the Pacific NW. In this key role, you'll support their ongoing development and deployment of AI technologies - to uphold their core AI principles and earn public trust as you collaborate with engineering, research, and GTM teams worldwide.

As a member of this team, you will consult on and assess high-impact AI use cases while supporting overall program operations. You will evaluate AI systems to identify risks, define safety requirements, lead strategic initiatives, and ensure high-risk AI deployments are safe and responsible. In this role, you will partner with cross-functional stakeholders in engineering, policy, research, sales, and marketing to adapt to the fast-moving AI landscape and set new standards for product teams at the forefront of AI innovation.

Basic Terms:

• Role: AI Technical Program Manager
• Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
• Duration: 8 months with potential annual renewal
• Start: Early November, 2026
• Capacity: 40 hours per week, primarily Monday to Friday during standard Pacific time zone business hours
• Pay rate range: $120 to $135 per hour

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Partner with engineering teams to contribute to, prioritize, and deliver on product roadmaps, primarily by evaluating their upcoming product releases for responsible AI risks and evidence of mitigation effectiveness. Develop a deep understanding of AI technology and responsible AI engineering implementations to connect to and develop AI policy.
• Provide internal consulting, evaluate, and develop internal guidance for AI product releases and AI use cases to mitigate risks and provide oversight for alignment with responsible AI policies
• Develop insights, recognize patterns, and assess AI system architectures with an eye toward providing actionable risk mitigation guidance. Use your deep knowledge of use cases and system deployments to support the development of more generalizable, scalable policies to account for the risks and impacts of AI systems deployed in an increasingly wide range of social contexts.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• B.S. Degree in CS, Engineering or relevant professional experience
• 3+ years in a software development/engineering role
• 3+ years in a technical program management role, leading key AI strategic initiatives
• Experience in strategic program management, execution, operations, and evaluation.
• Experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to rapidly changing environments and demands.
• Experience working in or with a large, matrixed organization.
• Strong record of being an effective team player dedicated to collective successes. The ability to promote cooperation and solve problems in a timely, creative, and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong record of experimentation and openness to feedback, learning from both successes and failure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in software QA testing
• Experience with generative AI
• Technical experience in fields of responsible AI, AI ethics, AI safety, digital safety, or security
• Experience on issues pertaining to AI, machine learning, or responsible AI, such as AI/ML engineering, AI-related technical program management, AI product development, data science with AI/ML components, inclusive design, ethics, safety, fairness, accessibility, privacy, security, AI governance, and/or AI policy.