Head of Programs

Head of Programs

Nuro is a self-driving technology company on a mission to make autonomy accessible to all. Founded in 2016, Nuro is building the world's most scalable driver, combining cutting-edge AI with automotive-grade hardware. Nuro licenses its core technology, the Nuro Driver, to support a wide range of applications, from robotaxis and commercial fleets to personally owned vehicles. With technology proven over years of real-world deployments, Nuro gives automakers and mobility platforms a clear path to AVs at commercial scale, empowering a safer, richer, and more connected future.

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned strategic technology program leader to drive company-wide execution and alignment across the critical programs that underpin Nuro's most significant business partnerships, such as the Robotaxi program, as well as other vehicle and platform partner initiatives. This individual will operate at the intersection of engineering, business strategy, and executive leadership, ensuring that the most important initiatives across all engineering organizations move forward with clarity, urgency, and measurable progress.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role partners closely with leaders across Engineering and the Business Group to translate strategic intent into operational execution. The ideal candidate combines technical fluency, structured problem-solving, and strong executive presence, with the ability to bring organizational attention to what matters most : the top risks, dependencies, and relationships that define success for Nuro's partnership programs.

A strong consulting and business background, paired with engineering education or technical training, is highly preferred. The ability to navigate complex organizations and multi-company partnerships with confidence, clarity, and influence is critical to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Execution and Alignment Across Strategic Programs

Drive execution and program management for Nuro's highest-priority initiatives spanning the Technology and Business Groups, focusing on commercial, vehicle, and platform partnerships, including the Robotaxi program

Identify and communicate the top risks, dependencies, and cross-functional relationships that impact execution, ensuring leaders are aligned on mitigation plans

Bring focus to the most critical issues, helping teams understand how their work contributes to overall program success

Establish and Operate the Engineering Operating System

Define and manage the operating cadence across engineering, including reviews, reporting structures, and performance dashboards that drive consistency and accountability

Create meeting and decision frameworks that enable effective alignment and follow-through

Ensure priorities are clearly defined, tracked, and reported with measurable outcomes

Facilitate Decision-Making and Problem Decomposition

Break down complex, multi-disciplinary technical challenges into actionable workstreams with clear dependencies and ownership

Ask the right strategic questions to create momentum and clarity around ambiguous or competing priorities

Surface tradeoffs and alternatives to enable faster, higher-quality decisions

Communicate Narrative and Progress

Craft clear, high-quality communications that connect technical detail and business context for executives, board members, and partners

Ensure Nuro's execution narrative is consistent and transparent across all stakeholders

Enable Transparency and Metrics

Define and track key engineering KPIs to measure velocity, delivery health, and interdependencies

Create systems for transparent reporting so teams and executives can see progress, risks, and blockers in real time

Partner with Engineering and Product Leadership

Operate as a trusted partner to senior engineering and business leaders, ensuring teams focus on the highest-impact work

Manage cross-functional dependencies, aligning milestones across AI Platform, Autonomy, and Hardware to deliver on partnership commitments

About You

Technical degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, MS or PhD preferred

Strong consulting background or experience in strategy, technical operations, or cross-functional program leadership preferred

Significant experience leading complex, cross-functional technical or operational programs within engineering, product, or strategy functions at technology-driven companies

Demonstrated ability to translate highly technical work into clear execution plans and measurable outcomes

Proven success operating effectively at both the strategic and execution levels, synthesizing complexity while driving accountability and delivery

Experience in advanced technology domains such as robotics, autonomy, AI infrastructure, or other safety-critical systems

Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, able to engage confidently with executives, engineers, and external partners across multiple companies

Track record of driving clarity, alignment, and forward progress across fast-moving and ambiguous environments

Experience working directly with founders or C-level executives to drive company-level priorities and operating rhythms

Bonus Points

Experience leading or supporting programs in complex R&D or safety-critical engineering environments

Background in management consulting or business operations within high-technology or mobility sectors

Familiarity with engineering operating systems, technical governance, or large-scale program management frameworks that drive execution alignment

Experience in fast-scaling or late-stage technology companies, especially those at the intersection of software, hardware, and autonomy

At Nuro, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the reasonably expected base pay range is between $235,030 and $352,290 for the level at which this job has been scoped. Your base pay will depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, education, location, and skills. In the event that you are considered for a different level, a higher or lower pay range would apply. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, equity, and a competitive benefits package.

At Nuro, we celebrate differences and are committed to a diverse workplace that fosters inclusion and psychological safety for all employees. Nuro is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

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