Feeny
Excelerate

Program Manager & AI Automation Lead at Excelerate (San Diego, CA)

Excelerate· San Diego, CA· $80–$100/hr·

Role details

Salary
$80–$100/hr
Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Contract

Job description

We're seeking a Program Manager & AI Automation Lead to lead a high-impact technical initiative focused on strengthening operational excellence while automating the manual processes that support it. You’ll combine hands-on technical program management with the design, build, and delivery of AI-agent-driven automation, with working solutions as a core project deliverable.

The role brings together two key capabilities: technical program management and agentic automation delivery, requiring someone who can drive complex cross-functional work while personally building automation that improves how programs operate.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead program execution across a portfolio of 55+ production services, including executive operating reviews, incident and RCA tracking, readiness activities, and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Establish program scope, priorities, milestones, dependencies, deliverables, and success measures while coordinating execution across multiple teams.
  • Identify and prioritize opportunities to streamline or replace manual program processes through automation.
  • Design, build, and productionize AI-agent automation, including ticketing and routing, cross-platform reconciliation, program telemetry, executive reporting, and automated follow-up workflows.
  • Direct multiple AI agents toward defined outcomes, establishing appropriate context, acceptance criteria, validation controls, and human-in-the-loop processes.
  • Ensure automation is reliable, auditable, and maintainable, with appropriate documentation and runbooks.
  • Communicate program progress, risks, decisions, and outcomes clearly and concisely to senior technology leadership.
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships and drive commitments through influence, proactive communication, and consistent follow-through.

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of technical program management experience in platform, infrastructure, or high-scale technology environments, with a proven track record leading complex technology initiatives from planning through implementation and transition.
  • Hands-on experience designing and delivering AI-agent-driven automation connected to live data and workflows.
  • A track record of personally building automation and workflows yourself, including API integrations to tools like Jira and Smartsheet, building dashboards and tracking systems, and hands-on experience with AI/agent tools (like Claude, agent frameworks, or similar integration methods).
  • Ability to provide examples of automation you've built and shipped, and can clearly explain your individual contribution, how you designed the solution, and the outcomes it produced.
  • Experience with AI governance, including validation controls, auditability, and human-in-the-loop processes.
  • Strong operational knowledge of incident management, SDLC, and distributed systems; identity, security, or authorization experience is a plus.
  • Excellent executive communication and the ability to drive cross-functional delivery through influence.
  • Highly proactive and comfortable operating in fast-moving, complex technology environments.

Duration: 40 hours a week, 10 months Type: Project-Based Hourly W2, Benefits Eligible Rate: $80-100/hour

Why work at Excelerate

  • Culture & Recognition: Voted #2 Best Place to Work in San Diego. Emphasizes humility, collaboration, and treating employees “like adults.”
  • Flexibility: “Flexible time off, robust health benefits, retirement contributions, fitness and technology stipends,” and the ability to manage work autonomously.
  • Impactful Work: Opportunities to solve challenging, high-stakes problems for leading companies while enjoying mentorship and transparency from leadership.
  • Growth: Exposure to diverse projects and skill-building in management tools, data visualization, facilitation, and executive engagement.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative, with smart colleagues; travel to client sites is required as needed. Hybrid/office presence expected (HQ in San Diego, national clients).

Application questions