Interview Experience for Program Manager I, Tech at Uber

If you’re applying for the Program Manager I, Tech position at Uber, you can expect a structured and comprehensive interview process that will assess both your technical and program management skills. This role typically involves overseeing the execution of technical programs, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with Uber’s broader business objectives. Based on my experience interviewing for a similar role, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in the interview process, the skills Uber values, and how you can prepare effectively.

Role Overview

As a Program Manager I in Tech at Uber, you will be responsible for managing complex technical programs that span across multiple teams and functions. The role demands strong program management capabilities, an understanding of technical processes, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration. You will help ensure the smooth execution of Uber’s tech initiatives, from the early stages of project scoping to post-launch execution, working with engineering, product, and other business teams to ensure that key technical deliverables are met.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Planning and Execution: Define and drive the execution of large technical programs across multiple teams. You’ll be responsible for the scheduling, scoping, and tracking of project timelines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various stakeholders (engineering, product management, operations, and design) to ensure that the program progresses smoothly and aligns with organizational goals.
• Risk and Issue Management: Identify risks and issues early in the project lifecycle, and work to mitigate these risks proactively.
• Tracking and Reporting: Use metrics and data to track the progress of the program, ensuring that projects stay on schedule and meet their objectives. Report to senior leadership on program status.
• Process Improvement: Continuously assess program management processes to identify opportunities for optimization and ensure that projects run as efficiently as possible.

Interview Process Overview

The Program Manager I, Tech interview process at Uber typically consists of multiple stages, each designed to assess your technical understanding, program management expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the company. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Screening (HR Interview)

The first step is usually a conversation with a recruiter or HR representative. The goal of this interview is to assess your general fit for the company and the role. You’ll likely be asked questions like:

• “Why do you want to work at Uber?”

  • I discussed how Uber’s culture of innovation and its mission to provide reliable and accessible transportation worldwide resonated with my own passion for solving complex problems and driving impactful projects.

• “Tell me about your experience managing technical programs or projects.”

  • I explained how I managed a multi-team technical project in my previous role, coordinating tasks across engineering, product, and QA teams, and ensuring timely delivery. I emphasized the use of agile methodologies to manage milestones and dependencies.

• “What interests you about the Program Manager role?”

  • I highlighted how this role aligns with my career goals of working at the intersection of technology and operations while driving impactful projects at scale.

This initial screening is also your chance to ask questions about Uber’s work environment, team structure, and how they define success for a Program Manager.

2. Program Management Interview

The second round typically dives deeper into your program management experience and how you handle technical projects. You can expect to be asked about how you manage projects, deal with cross-functional teams, and solve complex problems that arise during a project lifecycle.

Example Questions:

• “Describe a technical program you’ve managed in the past. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?”

  • I shared an example of managing a large-scale product rollout where multiple teams were involved. I talked about how I kept the teams aligned, managed dependencies, and mitigated risks that arose during the execution phase, such as technical blockers or resource constraints.

• “How do you manage competing priorities across different teams?”

  • I explained how I use data and key business metrics to prioritize tasks, ensuring alignment with broader business goals. I also emphasized the importance of transparent communication to balance competing demands effectively.

• “Tell me about a time when a project you were managing faced significant delays. What did you do to get it back on track?”

  • I discussed a situation where a technical issue delayed a project, and I had to quickly assess the situation, communicate with stakeholders, and reallocate resources to ensure minimal impact. I also described how we implemented additional QA checks to avoid similar delays in the future.

In this interview, Uber will be evaluating your program management skills, particularly your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and deal with technical challenges.

3. Technical Interview

Given that this is a Tech Program Manager role, you may be asked to demonstrate your understanding of technical concepts, especially as they pertain to managing large-scale technical programs. While you won’t be expected to code, you should be able to communicate technical requirements and processes effectively.

Example Questions:

• “Explain how you would approach a situation where engineering teams need to build a new system to scale Uber’s platform in a new market.”

  • I explained that I would first conduct a thorough analysis of the market needs, work with engineering to define system requirements, and identify potential technical risks. I would then collaborate with engineering and product to create a detailed project plan with clear timelines and milestones.

• “How do you handle technical ambiguity in a project when you don’t have all the information upfront?”

  • I discussed how I break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts, gather available information, and consult with technical experts to fill in the gaps. I also explained how I use iterative approaches to ensure that we can start work early and adapt as new information becomes available.

This round evaluates how comfortable you are with technical concepts and how you communicate and collaborate with engineering teams to solve complex problems.

4. Leadership and Behavioral Interview

The leadership and behavioral interview assesses how you work within teams, manage people, and handle complex situations. Uber is known for its fast-paced, high-performance environment, so they’ll be interested in your leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage ambiguity.

Example Questions:

• “Tell me about a time when you led a team through a difficult challenge. How did you motivate them and keep everyone aligned?”

  • I shared an example of when a critical project faced a setback due to unexpected technical issues. I focused on maintaining open communication, re-prioritizing tasks, and keeping the team focused on the bigger picture, which helped us get back on track.

• “Describe a situation where you had to influence a team or individual without direct authority. How did you approach it?”

  • I described a situation where I had to work with a partner team that was hesitant about a new process I was implementing. I used data and clear communication to show the benefits of the change, building trust and ultimately getting their buy-in.

• “How do you deal with conflict between teams or individuals on a project?”

  • I emphasized my approach to conflict resolution, which involves open communication, understanding both sides, and facilitating discussions to find common ground. I always aim to keep the project’s goals in focus and mediate effectively to ensure team alignment.

In this round, they’ll be assessing your leadership style, how you handle difficult situations, and whether you can motivate teams and keep them focused on delivering results.

5. Final Interview (Cultural Fit and Vision)

In the final interview, Uber will be looking for cultural fit and alignment with the company’s values, as well as your long-term vision for the role and the impact you can make.

Example Questions:

• “Where do you see the future of program management at Uber in the next few years?”

  • I talked about how program management at Uber will continue to evolve with more complex, cross-functional projects and how Uber can leverage its growing data and technological advancements to drive even more impactful projects.

• “How do you ensure that a program aligns with Uber’s long-term strategic goals?”

  • I explained how I would align program objectives with Uber’s broader business goals by regularly communicating with leadership, understanding the company’s vision, and ensuring that the projects we’re working on are strategically impactful.

This interview helps Uber understand your vision, how well you align with its culture, and whether you’re a good fit for the company’s fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Skills & Attributes Uber Looks For:

• Program Management Expertise: Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary programs, track deliverables, and manage timelines.
• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of technical processes, even if you aren’t required to write code.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to collaborate with engineering, product, operations, and other departments to drive successful program outcomes.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use of data to measure success, track program progress, and optimize performance.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify problems and create effective solutions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication to report on program status and influence stakeholders.

Preparation Tips:

• Brush Up on Program Management Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with common frameworks and methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, and Lean, and understand when to apply each.
• Study Uber’s Tech Stack: While you don’t need to be an engineer, having a basic understanding of Uber’s tech and how engineering teams work will help you communicate more effectively with technical stakeholders.
• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Uber places a high value on leadership and cultural fit, so be ready with concrete examples that showcase your ability to handle challenges, lead teams, and collaborate effectively.
• Understand Uber’s Mission and Goals: Align your responses with Uber’s broader strategic goals and demonstrate how your experience and vision can help achieve those goals