Technical Program Manager Associate, Electronic Control Unit

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

The ECU TPM Associate at CARIAD will play a pivotal role in the design, development, manufacturing, and scaling of the Electronic Control Units (ECUs). This role demands high levels of initiative, independent judgment, and indirect leadership capability. This role entails end-to-end ownership of the ECU and assembly design, and close partnership with the engineering and technical leads to manage the quality and readiness of these components for production.

Role Responsibilities:

Working with prototype houses and contract manufacturers  

• Coordinate with suppliers and supply chain partners to ensure timely delivery of components and assemblies for prototype builds.
• Assist in purchasing efforts as necessary to ensure timely deliveries.

Managing internal milestones and working with the engineering team 

• Collaborate closely with the Electrical Hardware Design team to establish engineering and delivery schedules, monitor engineering progress, and ensure deliveries align with overall vehicle deliverable schedules.
• Drive custom module developments with in-house PCBA designs and mechanical assemblies.
• Collaborate with Vehicle Integration and Electrical Systems teams to facilitate the successful integration of electronic assemblies.

Schedule and milestone definition, cross-functional collaboration 

• Liaise with the vehicle project, software, electrical, and other teams to identify critical paths and ensure synchronized deliveries.
• Lead and oversee the development and integration of ECUs through design reviews, ensuring robust support for all pre-production builds to facilitate vehicle launch.
• Support the release of all engineering documentation to support Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).

Execution, risk management, project scoping, process improvements 

• Identify programmatic risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize exposure, proactively addressing issues and removing roadblocks to meet project timelines.
• Develop project budgets, maintain forecasts, and manage risk registers.

General Skills:

• Analytical and exceptional soft skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Detailed knowledge of electronics design, development, validation, and integration processes.
• Experience working with Contract Manufacturers and vendors for PCBA, mechanical housings, complex systems, and high-level assemblies.
• Excellent program management skills, including the development of program plans, schedules, and clear definition and management of program milestones.
• Ability to work with the engineering teams to quickly address design issues and incorporate changes in the next appropriate product milestone.
• Proven track record of in-house ECU design from prototype to production, and previous knowledge and experience with scaling.
• Strong team player and leader known for building trust, collaborating, communicating, and partnering with cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record in developing, launching, and sustaining complex products.
• Ability and experience in managing and optimizing cost, including the end-to-end assembly cost.
• Experience in Product Lifecycle Management and ECU/part integration with manufacturing tools and processes.

Desired Skills:

• Prior auto industry experience.
• Experience working with the embedded software team and familiarity with the integrated SW/HW integration and iterative development.

Workplace Flexibility:

• Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German business hours as needed) to align with stakeholders and develop