Director, Test Systems & Automation

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

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Test Systems & Automation to lead our Test Systems & Automation team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of test systems, automation processes, and infrastructure within our hardware platform development department.

Role Responsibilities 

 Leadership and Management 

• Develop and execute strategic plans for the design, implementation, and maintenance of test systems and automation processes
• Direct teams of tech leads (DV, End of Line, etc.), managers, and EE Technicians within CARIAD. Foster a high-performance culture across all teams by promoting collaboration, integrity, inclusion, transparency, accountability, and compassion.
• Oversee and align budgets and staffing demands across test system & automation teams in coordination with CARIAD stakeholders
• Lead the development of talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure a robust and skilled workforce for the future
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and communication across teams, ensuring that information and best practices are shared effectively
• Provide advice, guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback to team members and managers
• Implement organizational practices for staffing, EEO, diversity, performance management, development, reward and recognition, and retention

 Budgeting, Finance and Administration 

• Collaborate with VP, Engineering HW Platform Development and lead forecast budgetary requirements for annual planning rounds
• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy for test system development & automation, aligning budgeting efforts with the long-term goals of the organization and the specific needs of project management team
• Implement financial controls and reporting mechanisms to monitor expenditures, ensuring that budgets are adhered to across hardware development teams.
• Drive financial transparency and accountability across teams
• Define initial budgets and project definitions for strategic technology initiatives, prioritizing approved initiatives across teams

Test System Development & Automation

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineering, software engineering, quality assurance, and product management to ensure alignment and integration of test systems and automation processes
• Define and establish best practices, standards, and procedures for test systems and automation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize test processes, increase efficiency, and reduce cycle times.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance test systems and automation capabilities
• Foster innovation within test system and automation teams to explore emerging technologies and methodologies that can enhance product quality and efficiency

Years of Experience

• 12+ years of relevant experience of test systems development, automation engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of leadership experience in the automotive industry, technology industry, or related industries

Required Education

•  Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

Desired Education

•  Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

Skills:

• Technical Leadership skills
• Analytical and conceptual thinking
• Supervisory and management skills
• Experience in developing strategies for R&D
• Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment