Technical Program Manager

AI Technical Program Manager (Fintech) | San Diego / San Francisco (Hybrid)Salary: $325,000 base + bonus + equityI’m partnering with a high-growth, privately held fintech that’s quietly building something very ambitious in the SMB lending space — and they’re looking for a deeply technical, execution-first AI TPM to help bring it to life.This is not a “keep the trains running” TPM role. This is a 0→1 builder opportunity at a company making a meaningful bet on AI transformation.The MissionThe company is re-imagining how small business lending works — starting with fully automating underwriting decisions for a large segment of loans.Think:AI-driven credit decisionsReal-time underwriting workflowsIntelligent document parsing + triageBlending internal models with best-in-class third-party AI solutionsThe goal is simple but powerful:Reduce cost-to-serve → increase efficiency → pass savings to customers via better rates.The RoleYou’ll act as the right hand to the Chief Credit Officer, owning execution across a growing portfolio of AI initiatives.This role sits in a newly formed AI Transformation team (currently ~5, scaling to 10) at a company that is already technically sophisticated — but now entering its next phase of maturity.What you’ll do:Own end-to-end program management across multiple AI workstreamsDrive execution across internal data science teams + offshore engineering + 3rd party vendorsManage dependencies, risks, delivery timelines, and reportingPlay an active role in AI discussions — this is not a surface-level coordination roleEvaluate vendor performance: data quality, model outputs, ROIHelp operationalize AI into production underwriting workflowsFirst 6–12 MonthsDeliver meaningful progress toward AI-powered underwriting automation (~90% for smaller loans)Stand up and scale vendor + data partnershipsCollaborate with risk/analytics teams to validate and refine AI outputsDrive measurable efficiency gains without increasing headcountWhat They’re Looking ForThis is a high bar role — ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and wants real ownership.Must-have:5+ years of Technical Program Management experience2+ years working directly on AI / ML initiativesFintech experience (required) — ideally within lending / creditStrong signal profile:Former engineer or engineering leader turned TPMExperience in both large financial institutions and scrappy environmentsProven 0→1 ownership of complex initiativesAbility to operate in the weeds, not just at a high levelNot a Fit IfYou’ve only operated at big companies without hands-on executionYou’ve primarily managed other TPMs rather than owning delivery yourselfYou’re looking for a fully remote roleLogisticsLocation: San Diego (preferred) or San FranciscoWork model: Hybrid (3 days/week in office)Must be US Citizen or Green Card holderCompensationBase: $250K – $350K - DOEBonus: 20%Equity: Private company shares (flexible for the right hire)Why This RoleTrue 0→1 AI transformation in a real revenue-generating businessDirect partnership with executive leadershipHighly visible, impact-driven work tied to core business outcomesOpportunity to shape how AI is actually deployed in production — not just experimentationIf you’re a technical builder who wants to own meaningful AI programs in fintech (and see them through to real-world impact), I’d love to connect.DM me for more details — happy to share more context confidentially.