Technical Program Manager

Lightspark is the easiest, most reliable, enterprise-grade gateway to the Lightning Network, enabling money to move just like bits and bytes do on the Internet. Lightspark services aim to be the fastest, lowest cost, easiest and most reliable way to send and receive payments globally using Lightning. We want to  deliver open payments for the Internet at scale and we’re laser-focused on solving real problems for our customers with best-in-class innovative software solutions.  We aim to help businesses around the world benefit from real time payments and build amazing new experiences for themselves and their customers. Lightspark is headquartered in Los Angeles but serving the world.

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to join our team at Lightspark.  This is an incredible opportunity to join the company as our first program manager hire, and work closely with our Engineering and Product teams as well as our leadership team. You will own the management and delivery of complex projects related to the development and deployment of Lightspark payment systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to execute on time and on budget the Lightspark product roadmap. You’ll collaborate with Engineering and Product leaders to establish the most effective software development workflow, process and cross-teams delivery including implementing process improvement tactics. You like to understand the competitive landscape and stay up to date with market trends especially with regard to the Lightning Network, blockchain technology, and the broader fintech space.  This position is based in our offices in Los Angeles, California.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders

• Manage the delivery of projects and product solutions from inception to completion, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope and within budget. Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, resources and budgets. 

• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineers, product managers,  designers, and marketing to ensure seamless project execution

• Efficiently report project delivery status to leadership and cross-functional leads (engineering, product, data science, design, marketing, and sales) and highlight key risks and blockers. Provide data driven recommendation to address those execution issues and mitigate risk

• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders for project delivery. Provide regular updates, manage expectations and address concerns 

• Provide technical transparency around programs across all teams, and drive technical and non-technical solutions

• Implement quality control measures to ensure projects meet established standards and specifications 

• Contribute to the maintenance of product documentation, including specifications, project and release plans, and functional requirements. Monitor the product backlog and ensure timely delivery of features and improvements.

• Conduct post-project reviews to evaluate outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and incorporate lessons learned into future projects.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Technical Program Manager or Technical Product Manager position, preferably in the fintech or blockchain industry

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Finance, Project management, Economics, or a related field

• Proven experience in technical project management, preferably in a fast paced environment 

• Strong understanding of software development processes, methodologies, and tools

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable insights

• Ability to manage large-scale projects and drive initiatives from conception to delivery

• Experience communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Experience working independently and a strong sense of ownership along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

• Passion for innovation and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the financial technology space

• Living in, or willing to relocate, to Los Angeles, CA

Lightspark is on a mission to build an open payment protocol for the Internet at scale and therefore we’re committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, m