Technical Program Manager, Public Sector

About the role

You will join the Public Sector Delivery team to manage technical projects and ensure our government partners achieve their AI and machine learning goals. This role requires a hands-on approach to solving complex problems, building scalable processes, and bridging the gap between engineering teams and public sector requirements. You will act as the central coordination point for high-impact initiatives, aligning technical execution with strategic public sector objectives. The position demands ownership of end-to-end project lifecycles, from initial discovery through deployment and optimization. You will foster collaboration across engineering, product, and policy stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency. Success in this role will be defined by your ability to deliver measurable outcomes on time and within scope for government clients. You will drive operational excellence while maintaining a sharp focus on customer satisfaction and mission impact.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver AI and machine learning systems for government use cases.
• Develop and implement technical solutions for computer vision and generative AI projects.
• Translate ambiguous requirements into functional products and repeatable processes.
• Use data and analytics to prioritize internal resources and address customer needs.
• Manage long-term customer health by identifying risks and preempting potential issues.
• Collaborate directly with product development teams to resolve engineering challenges.
• Orchestrate project timelines, dependencies, and milestones to ensure on-time delivery.
• Facilitate technical discussions between engineering specialists and public sector stakeholders.
• Establish metrics and reporting frameworks to track project performance and outcomes.
• Adapt project strategies based on evolving requirements and regulatory considerations.
• Implement robust testing and validation procedures for AI systems in government contexts.
• Coordinate resource allocation to optimize utilization across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Document technical processes and decisions to maintain institutional knowledge.
• Support the development of go-to-market strategies for public sector AI solutions.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a customer-facing or stakeholder management role.
• Technical background in Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, or Engineering.
• Deep understanding of machine learning operations.
• Proven ability to solve problems using a structured, data-driven approach.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel at least 25% of the time.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects in regulated environments.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, dynamic organizational settings.
• Proficiency in interpreting technical requirements and translating them into actionable plans.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.
• Experience with stakeholder communication and expectation management.
• Capacity to synthesize technical information for diverse audiences.
• Track record of delivering projects within scope and schedule constraints.

Nice to have

• Full Scope Polygraph.
• 10+ years of professional experience, particularly in technical program management within government or industry.
• Experience working at an API-focused technology company or managing customers using APIs.
• 50% travel availability.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes base salary, equity, and benefits such as health, dental, vision, retirement plans, and a learning stipend.
• Candidates who have previously applied for this role must wait 90 days before reapplying.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities by contacting accommodations@scale.com.
• Willingness to travel at least 25% of the time is required, with potential for increased travel based on project needs.
• This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, requiring reliable on-site presence.
• The selection process may include interviews focusing on technical program management capabilities and domain knowledge.
• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Security clearance verification will be conducted as part of the hiring process.
• The role operates within the standard full-time schedule, with expectations for availability during core business hours.
• Travel requirements may necessitate flexibility in scheduling and location-based assignments.
• This position is subject to internal policies regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable laws and company guidelines.

This role represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the application of artificial intelligence in the public sector, working on projects that have meaningful societal impact. The successful candidate will bring both technical acumen and operational discipline to manage complex delivery challenges. You will be expected to navigate intricate stakeholder landscapes while maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset. The position requires adaptability, strong judgment, and the ability to thrive in an environment with evolving priorities. Effective communication will be critical as you interact with technical teams and government officials at various levels. The role offers the chance to build and refine program management practices in a high-growth technology environment focused on public service. Professional development and continuous learning are encouraged through company-provided resources and training opportunities. This position is integral to Scale AI's mission of enabling organizations to build better AI products through high-quality data and robust tooling. By joining this team, you will play a key role in shaping how AI is implemented and governed within public sector institutions.