---
title: Program Manager & AI Automation Lead at Excelerate
description: Excelerate is hiring for the Program Manager & AI Automation Lead role in San
  Diego, CA. See the full description and apply.
type: job
url: https://www.foundrole.com/jobs/program-manager-and-ai-automation-lead-at-exceleratellc-01a0ca83-3b13-780e-8414-02ea711d3e41
date: 2026-09-28T15:50:34Z
og_description: Join Excelerate as Program Manager & AI Automation Lead in San Diego, CA. Pays
  $80–$100 per hour. Contractor, hybrid role.
og_image: https://www.foundrole.com/og/j37eul.png
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---

| | |
|---|---|
| **Company** | Excelerate |
| **Location** | San Diego, CA (Hybrid) |
| **Salary** | $80/hr - $100/hr |
| **Type** | Contractor |
| **Posted** | Sep 22, 2026 |
## 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
## Skills

- Influencing
- Program Management
- API Integration
- Planning
- Deployment Strategy
- Executive Reporting
- Automation
- Artificial Intelligence
- JIRA
- AI Agents
- Software Development Life Cycle
- Runbook Development
- Coordinating
- Claude (Ai Model)
- AI Agent Frameworks
- Leadership
- Incident Management
- Executive Communication
- Human-in-the-Loop
- Ticketing
- Smartsheet
- Telemetry
- Communication
- AI Policy
- Cross-Platform Development
- Distributed Systems

## How to Apply

[Apply for this position](https://www.foundrole.com/jobs/program-manager-and-ai-automation-lead-at-exceleratellc-01a0ca83-3b13-780e-8414-02ea711d3e41?utm_source=ai_markdown)

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