UX Program Manager, AI Foundations and PSS, Core

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Program Manager, AI Foundations and PSS, Core

Company: Google

Location: San Jose, CA; New York, NY; Austin, TX

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Program Management / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-28

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive operational excellence within UX teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Product Management to deliver industry-leading products.

• Develop and execute end-to-end UX programs and operational frameworks for AI Foundations and Privacy, Safety, and Security (PSS) pillars.

• Plan, define milestones, assess risks, and ensure timely delivery of critical-path projects, especially within the evolving AI landscape.

• Define, track, and report on UX metrics to promote user-centered development and demonstrate the impact of UX initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the intersection of User Experience (UX), Program Management, and cutting-edge AI technologies. The "Core" team designation suggests a foundational role impacting multiple Google products. The "AI Foundations" and "PSS" pillars indicate a strategic focus on the underlying technology and its responsible application. This is a highly operational role within a design-centric function, requiring strong process management and stakeholder alignment skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide operational excellence across UX teams, establishing strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders across various program workstreams.

• Develop comprehensive plans to assess continuous improvement opportunities for UX programs and processes, including data collection, analysis, insight generation, and stakeholder validation.

• Contribute to the definition and tracking of UX metrics that foster a culture of user-centered development and clearly demonstrate UX impact, ensuring alignment within the UX organization.

• Execute scaled, prioritized, and end-to-end project plans independently, with a strategic focus on optimizing resourcing, time, and funding investments.

• Build and execute plans for programs, initially deploying into the highest-priority, critical-path projects across both AI Foundations and PSS domains.

• Proactively identify opportunities to modernize design team execution workflows in response to evolving AI advancements and ways of working.

• Develop a strong understanding of AI platforms, software infrastructure, data systems, and cybersecurity to effectively navigate ambiguity and drive program success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "operational excellence," "continuous improvement," and "scaling programs" highlights the core operational nature of this role. The responsibility to "define metrics" and "demonstrate UX impact" is crucial for a UX Program Manager, requiring a data-driven approach to operational effectiveness. The proactive identification of modernization opportunities points to a strategic element within the operational execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in program management within design or UX organizations.

• Demonstrated experience with user research, research-focused tools, and user-centered methodologies.

• Experience working within AI/ML products, software developer tooling, data, privacy, safety, or security domains.

Required Skills:

• Program Management: Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs from inception to completion, including planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

• UX Design Principles: Strong understanding of user-centered design methodologies, user research techniques, and how to integrate them into program planning.

• Generative AI & AI/ML: Familiarity with generative AI tools and concepts, as well as experience in AI/ML product environments.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders across UX, Engineering, and Product Management.

• Operational Excellence: A track record of driving efficiency, defining processes, and improving operational workflows within a team or organization.

• Data Analysis & Insights: Ability to analyze data, derive actionable insights, and translate them into measurable improvements for UX programs.

Preferred Skills:

• Product Development Lifecycle: Experience navigating and contributing to the end-to-end product development lifecycle.

• Risk Management: Experience identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, product, or team health risks.

• Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to develop plans for assessing and implementing continuous improvement opportunities.

• Metrics & Reporting: Experience defining, tracking, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) and UX metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience with generative AI tools and AI/ML products, alongside core UX program management, signals a highly specialized and forward-looking role. The "4 years of experience" combined with the complexity of AI and PSS domains suggests a mid-level to senior-mid-level operational focus. The emphasis on "equivalent practical experience" provides flexibility for candidates without a formal degree but with substantial relevant work history.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Program Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of end-to-end program execution, detailing scope, objectives, challenges, your role, key milestones, and successful outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include documentation or descriptions of processes you have designed, improved, or optimized, highlighting the methodologies used (e.g., lean, agile) and the resulting efficiency gains or impact.

• User-Centered Design Integration: Demonstrate how you have integrated user research, user feedback, or user-centered methodologies into program plans and execution to influence product development.

• Metrics & Reporting Dashboards: Present examples of dashboards or reports you've created to track program progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), or UX metrics, illustrating your ability to derive insights and communicate impact.

• Risk Management Frameworks: Illustrate your approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within programs, potentially through risk registers or mitigation plans.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing clear, concise, and actionable process documentation for UX workflows, program management procedures, or operational frameworks.

• Examples of how you have used data analysis to inform process improvements and presented findings to stakeholders for buy-in and implementation.

• Documentation of how you have defined and tracked metrics to measure the effectiveness of implemented processes and report on their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Program Manager role, especially within a large tech company like Google, a portfolio demonstrating structured program execution, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making is critical. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results and the ability to articulate complex processes clearly. The integration of AI and user-centricity should be evident in the case studies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• US Base Salary: $132,000 - $189,000 per year.

• Methodology: This range is provided by Google for full-time positions in the US and is determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is influenced by work location and additional factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Recruiters will share location-specific ranges during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Equity: Stock options or grants as part of the compensation package.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Parental Leave: Generous paid leave for new parents.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and conference attendance.

• Wellness Programs: Resources and support for employee well-being.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard: 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, Google typically offers some flexibility in daily work schedules, though core business hours and meeting attendance are expected. Specifics may vary by team and manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is substantial, reflecting the mid-level to senior-mid-level nature of the role and Google's competitive compensation structure. The inclusion of bonus and equity is standard for such positions at Google. The benefits listed are typical for major tech companies and are designed to support employee well-being and long-term career growth. The "on-site" requirement implies a need for local residency or willingness to relocate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software, AI, Internet Services)

Company Size: Google is a very large enterprise, with over 180,000 employees globally, indicating a complex organizational structure and extensive resources.

Founded: 1998, with a long history of innovation and a foundational role in shaping the internet and technology landscape.

Team Structure:

• Core Team: This role is part of the "Core" team, which focuses on building fundamental technical elements, developer platforms, product components, and infrastructure that underpin Google's flagship products. This implies a high-impact, foundational role.

• AI Foundations & PSS Pillars: The program manager will operate within and across these critical domains, suggesting a focus on the underlying AI technologies and their application in privacy, safety, and security.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly mentions collaboration with Engineering and Product Management, indicating a matrixed environment where alignment and communication are paramount.

• UX Focus: The team is a "multi-disciplinary UX team," emphasizing a strong user-centered design ethos that the program manager must champion.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Development: The company's core philosophy, "Focus on the user and all else will follow," is a guiding principle for all teams, including UX and program management.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Google heavily relies on data analysis to inform product strategy, operational improvements, and performance measurement.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated for this role, it's a common practice in tech for managing complex projects and adapting to change, especially in fast-moving AI fields.

• Operational Frameworks: The role requires building and executing operational frameworks, suggesting a structured approach to program management and process standardization.

Company Website: https://www.google.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is known for its emphasis on innovation, data, and user focus. The "Core" team's mandate suggests a strategic and technically deep environment. The AI Foundations and PSS pillars highlight Google's commitment to advancing AI responsibly. The "on-site" work arrangement indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and team building.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Program Manager role is positioned at a mid-level to senior-mid-level within operations and program management. It requires significant autonomy in executing projects, assessing opportunities, and driving improvements. The scope of impact is broad, covering critical AI and PSS domains that affect core Google products.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Program Manager will likely report to a UX Program Management Lead or a Director within the AI Foundations or PSS organization.

• They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, requiring strong influence and collaboration skills without direct line management authority over these partners.

Operations Impact:

• The operations managed by this role directly influence the efficiency, effectiveness, and user-centricity of UX teams developing foundational AI technologies.

• Successful program execution ensures that critical product features are delivered on time, with high quality, and aligned with user needs.

• By improving UX processes and providing actionable insights, this role contributes to better product design, reduced development friction, and ultimately, enhanced user experiences across billions of users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI/ML Operations: Deepen expertise in managing programs for AI/ML products, becoming a sought-after specialist in this high-growth area.

• Leadership in Program Management: Progress to managing larger, more complex programs, leading multiple initiatives, or mentoring junior program managers.

• Transition to Product Management: Leverage deep product understanding and cross-functional experience to move into a Product Manager role, particularly within AI or user-facing product areas.

• Operational Strategy Development: Grow into roles focused on defining and evolving operational strategies for entire UX organizations or product areas.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Gain broad experience across different Google product areas (AI, PSS, Core infrastructure) opening doors to various strategic roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for growth within a high-impact area of Google. The combination of program management, UX, and AI expertise is highly valuable. The "Core" team context implies exposure to fundamental technologies, providing a strong foundation for future career advancements within Google's vast ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Google offices are known for their collaborative and amenity-rich environments, designed to foster innovation and productivity. This role is specified as "On-site," meaning regular attendance at a Google office is expected.

Office Location(s):

• San Jose, CA: Proximity to Silicon Valley tech hub.

• New York, NY: Access to a major global city with a growing tech presence.

• Austin, TX: A fast-growing tech hub with a vibrant startup and established company scene.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Google offices typically feature a mix of open workspaces, meeting rooms, phone booths, and common areas designed for spontaneous collaboration and focused work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Google's cutting-edge internal tools, hardware, and software, including collaboration platforms, project management software, and advanced computing resources.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with UX designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Amenities: On-site amenities often include cafes, fitness centers, recreational areas, and other conveniences aimed at supporting employee work-life balance.

Work Schedule:

• Standard: A 40-hour work week is typical.

• On-site Requirement: Employees are expected to work from the designated office location. While specific daily schedules might offer some flexibility, core working hours are usually required for team synchronization and collaboration. The nature of program management often necessitates availability during critical project phases or for urgent stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at major tech hubs like San Jose, New York, or Austin suggests a preference for in-person team dynamics and access to Google's extensive campus resources. The environment is designed to be highly productive and collaborative, supporting the complex work involved in AI and core product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Expect a series of interviews (likely 4-6) with various stakeholders, including potential peers, cross-functional partners (PMs, Eng leads), and hiring managers. These interviews will focus on:

  • Program Management Skills: Assessing your ability to plan, execute, manage risks, and drive projects to completion.
  • UX Acumen: Evaluating your understanding of user research, user-centered design, and how to advocate for the user.
  • AI/ML & PSS Domain Knowledge: Probing your familiarity with AI concepts, generative AI tools, and the challenges within privacy, safety, and security.
  • Operational Strategy: Understanding your approach to improving processes, defining metrics, and driving operational excellence.
  • Behavioral Questions: Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to gauge how you've handled past challenges, conflicts, and successes.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session or integrated discussion where you will present specific examples from your portfolio, demonstrating your program management achievements, process improvements, and impact.

• Hiring Committee Review: In many Google roles, a hiring committee reviews the interview feedback, candidate packet, and qualifications to make a final hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions taken, and most importantly, the quantifiable results and impact (e.g., % improvement in efficiency, reduction in errors, successful feature launch).

• Structure Your Narratives: Use a clear story arc: Challenge -> Your Approach (Process, Tools, Collaboration) -> Outcome (Metrics, Learnings).

• Highlight AI/UX Integration: Showcase projects where you've successfully integrated user research or user-centered principles into AI product development programs.

• Demonstrate Process Improvement: Clearly outline the "before" and "after" of any process you optimized, detailing the specific steps and tools used.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decisions, trade-offs made, challenges encountered, and how you would approach similar situations differently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping Exercise: You might be asked to map out a hypothetical UX program process or identify bottlenecks in an existing one.

• Metrics Definition: Be ready to define key metrics for a given UX program or initiative and explain how you would track them.

• Risk Assessment Scenario: You may be presented with a project scenario and asked to identify potential risks and propose mitigation strategies.

• Stakeholder Alignment Case: Prepare to discuss how you would gain buy-in or resolve conflicting priorities among different stakeholder groups (e.g., UX, Engineering, Product).

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's interview process is rigorous and designed to assess a broad range of skills. For this role, expect to demonstrate not only program management prowess but also a solid understanding of UX principles and a growing familiarity with AI technologies. A well-curated portfolio that highlights quantifiable achievements and process optimization is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with enterprise-level tools like Jira, Asana, or Google's internal project management systems for task tracking, sprint planning, and roadmap management.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Chat) for documentation, communication, and virtual meetings.

• Diagramming Tools: Experience with tools like Lucidchart, Miro, or Visio for creating process flows, system diagrams, and user journey maps.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in Google Slides or similar tools for creating compelling presentations for stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Tableau, Looker, or SQL for data querying, analysis, and visualization.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret dashboards that track program progress, KPIs, and UX metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Google Sheets or Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly stated, understanding CRM concepts (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for understanding user data and product adoption.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that can automate repetitive tasks or streamline processes, though Google likely has proprietary internal solutions.

• Internal Google Tools: Expect to utilize a suite of internal Google-specific tools for project management, data analysis, and collaboration, which will be learned on the job.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are often learned on the job at Google, a strong foundation in common industry-standard project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools is expected. The ability to quickly learn and adapt to Google's internal technology stack is a key requirement for operational roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all aspects of program planning and execution.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on data and metrics to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in operations.

• Operational Excellence: A drive to create efficient, scalable, and reliable processes that support the UX team's goals.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of cross-functional partnerships and open communication to achieve shared objectives.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (like generative AI) and evolving ways of working to stay at the forefront of the industry.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for program outcomes and driving initiatives to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactively seeks to build bridges between UX, Engineering, and Product Management, ensuring alignment and shared understanding throughout the product lifecycle.

• Process Review Culture: Encourages constructive feedback on processes and workflows, fostering an environment where continuous improvement is a shared responsibility.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participates in sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across teams to elevate the collective operational and design capabilities.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Uses data and metrics as a foundation for discussions and decision-making, ensuring objectivity and focus on impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture emphasizes collaboration, data, and impact. For an operations role within UX, the ability to translate user needs into actionable program plans and to foster a culture of continuous improvement through data and teamwork will be highly valued. The integration of AI necessitates an adaptable and forward-thinking approach to collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity in AI: The rapid evolution of AI and its applications presents a challenge in defining stable, long-term program roadmaps and operational frameworks.

• Balancing Innovation with Operational Rigor: Ensuring that the drive for rapid innovation in AI doesn't compromise essential operational processes, user safety, or product quality.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively aligning diverse teams (UX, Eng, PM) with potentially competing priorities and different methodologies to achieve common goals.

• Measuring Impact of UX in AI: Developing and tracking meaningful UX metrics that accurately reflect the impact of design and operations on complex AI products.

• Scaling Operations for New Technologies: Building and adapting operational processes to support the unique demands of emerging AI technologies and their rapid deployment cycles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI/ML & Generative AI: Gain in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge AI technologies, their applications, and the operational challenges they present.

• Advanced Program Management Techniques: Develop expertise in managing complex, high-stakes programs within a leading technology organization.

• UX Strategy & Advocacy: Enhance skills in understanding user needs, translating them into product requirements, and effectively advocating for user-centricity.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Hone skills in influencing without direct authority, stakeholder management, and driving consensus across diverse teams.

• Operations Strategy & Framework Development: Contribute to shaping the operational strategies and frameworks for UX teams working on foundational technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and enjoys tackling complex, evolving challenges. The opportunities for learning and growth are substantial, particularly in the rapidly expanding field of AI and its operational implications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX program you managed from end-to-end. What were the key milestones, challenges, and how did you measure success?" (Focus on STAR method, quantifiable results, and your specific role).

• "How would you approach developing a continuous improvement plan for a UX team working on AI products? What metrics would you track and why?" (Highlight data analysis, process mapping, and user-centric metrics).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Google's 'Core' team and its role in building foundational technologies?" (Research the Core team's mandate and articulate your alignment).

• "How do you see generative AI impacting the future of UX program management, and how would you adapt your approach?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Examples: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your core competencies in program management, process optimization, and UX integration, ideally with AI relevance.

• Quantify Everything: For each project, clearly state the problem, your actions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., "reduced design cycle time by 15%", "improved user satisfaction scores by X%").

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation like a narrative – the challenge, your strategic approach, the execution, and the impactful outcome.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the operational processes you used or improved, and how they contributed to the success of the program.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate deep dives into your decision-making, trade-offs, and how you would handle hypothetical scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for Google interviews often involves demonstrating a strong understanding of their culture, a structured approach to problem-solving, and the ability to articulate impact through data and compelling narratives. For this role, demonstrating an understanding of AI's operational implications and a user-centric mindset will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Google Careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in program management, UX, AI/ML products, generative AI tools, and operational excellence. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies focusing on end-to-end program execution, process optimization, and UX integration. Ensure clear articulation of challenges, your role, actions, and quantifiable impact.

• Practice Behavioral Questions: Prepare responses using the STAR method for common questions related to leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and dealing with ambiguity.

• Research Google's Core Team and AI Initiatives: Understand the company's mission, the specific focus of the AI Foundations and PSS pillars, and Google's approach to user-centric design and AI ethics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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