Brief Role Description

This position is a career level 29L, and is located in San Jose, CA with a role classification of Fully On-Site.

The Manager Development Driver Assistance and Verification role is responsible for leading a team of engineers in the development, simulation, validation, and release of Driver Assistance (ADAS) functions for Volkswagen Group vehicle platforms. The role serves as a key technical and project interface throughout the product development lifecycle, from early concept definition through implementation, testing, validation, and release.

This position provides technical and people leadership to the team, ensuring that Driver Assistance functions are developed in alignment with project requirements, quality standards, timelines, and budget constraints. The manager supports interdisciplinary concept development and contributes to function specification in the early project phases, while driving execution, testing, and approval activities in later stages.

The role works closely with cross functional internal stakeholders (system, software, vehicle integration, testing, and validation teams) as well as with external partners and suppliers. The Manager Development Driver Assistance and Verification supports project planning, risk identification, issue resolution, and escalation to senior management as needed. In addition, the role contributes to team development through coaching, mentoring, and continuous improvement of processes, methods, and tools related to ADAS development and verification.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Project Execution, Reporting and Escalation – Driver Assistance Development & Validation (50%)

• Lead and coordinate the planning and execution of Driver Assistance (ADAS) function development, simulation, validation, and release activities
• Support definition of project scope, objectives, and technical feasibility in collaboration with cross functional stakeholders
• Plan and manage team resources and coordinate with internal partners and approved suppliers to ensure efficient execution
• Monitor project progress against scope, schedule, quality, and budget targets; identify deviations and implement corrective actions
• Track risks, issues, and dependencies; proactively escalate critical topics to senior management as required
• Ensure adherence to VW Group / Audi development, verification and release processes
• Prepare and present project status reports, technical summaries and milestone readiness updates

Team Leadership and Technical Guidance (35%)

• Provide technical and organizational leadership to engineers working on Driver Assistance functions
• Assign tasks based on individual skills and experience, ensuring balanced workload and development opportunities
• Coach and mentor team members on ADAS function development, simulation, and validation methodologies
• Support performance feedback, development planning and training needs in coordination with senior management and HR
• Foster a collaborative, results driven and quality focused team environment

Process Improvement and Continuous Development (15%)

• Contribute to the improvement and standardization of Driver Assistance development, validation and documentation processes
• Support the identification, evaluation, and introduction of tools and methods to improve efficiency and quality
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices within the team and across related functions
• Support ramp up activities for new projects, functions, or team capabilities as required

Qualification Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in automotive R&D, Product Development and/or Project Management
• 5+ years of experience with Driver Assistance or automated driving

Qualification requirements contd

Education

Required

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, computer science, robotics, automotive systems engineering or comparable)

Desired

Master’s or PhD in in Engineering (Automotive Systems Engineering, robotics, computer science or comparable)

Skills

• Solid understanding of ADAS / Driver Assistance system development, including function design, simulation, validation, and release processes within an automotive product development environment
• Working knowledge of Volkswagen Group / Audi AG product development processes and associated IT systems, with the ability to apply these effectively at a project and team level
• Strong planning, organization, and execution skills to manage multiple ADAS development activities in parallel and meet project milestones
• Proven project coordination and tracking skills, including effort estimation, progress reporting, issue identification, and escalation to senior management when required
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities to analyze complex technical issues and support the definition of pragmatic, robust solutions
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional and international teams, collaborating with system, software, testing, vehicle integration, and validation stakeholders
• Clear and structured communication and presentation skills, enabling effective interaction with internal customers, suppliers, and engineering partners
• Demonstrated people leadership skills to guide and support engineers, including task prioritization, technical mentoring, and performance feedback
• Proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned ADAS functions and deliverables

Specialized Skills

Required

• Practical experience in the development, simulation, verification, and validation of Driver Assistance (ADAS) functions, with the ability to guide engineers through function maturity from concept to release
• Strong understanding of ADAS system architectures, including sensors, vehicle dynamics interfaces, control logic, and software hardware interaction, sufficient to support technical decision making and issue resolution
• Working knowledge of ADAS simulation and testing methodologies, including SIL, HIL, vehicle level testing, and scenario based validation approaches
• Ability to coordinate technical activities with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, including reviewing technical deliverables and supporting supplier integration activities
• Hands on capability to analyze test results, simulation outcomes, and field data to identify root causes, assess functional performance, and support corrective actions

Desired

• Working knowledge of programming or scripting languages (e.g., C, Python, or comparable) sufficient to understand algorithms, review code adjacent artifacts, or support simulation and data analysis activities
• German language skills are beneficial for collaboration with Audi AG and Volkswagen Group counterparts
• Familiarity with VW Group internal engineering and IT systems (e.g., requirements management, configuration management, validation documentation tools) to support efficient project execution and reporting
• Experience applying Volkswagen Group / Audi AG internal development and verification processes, including requirements, change management, validation and release workflows

Work Flexibility

• Flexibility to travel (domestic and international)
• Full time position

Compensation Data

For California and Fully remote jobs only:

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, industry-based experience, skills, training, credentials, and other qualifications. 
In the state of California, the salary range is $152,100 - $243,300.