Brief Role Description

At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands. We’re a team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists looking to develop innovations for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change which means we are not only impacting one of the world’s largest car makers, but also the lives of millions of people. Are you ready to join us?

Role Summary: 

The position is focused on Program management at ICC. This position will manage project schedules and resources with our internal partners, the internal staff, and tracks results. The incumbent will work as the key interface between the VW Group R&D centers, US affiliates, external partners, and suppliers.  In addition, the incumbent is responsible for a large scale project portfolio, ensuring intellectual properties, and forming strategic partnerships with internal and external entities.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Role Responsibilities:

Strategic Portfolio/Resource Management 

• Manages a portfolio of projects around a particular cluster topic.
• Secures and manages internal/external project budget and milestone deliverables for cluster(s).
• Drives strategic planning of cluster roadmap.
• Secures intellectual property and develops roadmaps for the cluster(s).
• Leads research and development activities to support cluster(s).

Business Development

• Expands research network between Volkswagen Group and local entities.
• Secures internal project funding for research initiatives from VW Group partners.
• Transfers ICC project outcomes to internal Volkswagen Group partners and customers.
• Communicates regularly and influences partners in Germany.
• Develops supplier network with local Silicon Valley companies (i.e., prototype design and development).

Technology Development and Management 

• Presents project/progress reports and presentations to top management, mentors, partners, and project affiliates.
• Conducts research.
• Initiates and implements partnerships with external partners (companies, research institutions, universities).
• Transfers technologies and solutions to Volkswagen Group stake holders.

Mentorship

• Provide mentorship/guidance to Project Managers/Leads on the team.

Qualification requirements

Qualifications - External

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years with a post-graduate degree.
• 8+ years or more as a technical project leader or development of technical systems.

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Chemical, Material, Automotive, etc.).

Desired:   Master’s in engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Chemical, Material, Automotive, etc.).

Skills:

• Give clear and unbiased assessment of project status and needs to partners, stakeholders and management.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason.
• Creative and strategic problem-solving mindset – exhibit good judgement in making decisions.
• Able to work in a highly dynamic, multi-disciplinary, timeline bound and target oriented work environment.
• Good people and test resource management – functional and strategic.
• Assertive with excellent communication skills – presentation, written and interpersonal.
• Able to continuously question and challenge the status-quo, always documenting and applying the lessons learned.
• Team player with good collaboration and integration skills – joining people, processes, and systems.
• Proven influencing and negotiation skills – steer project to obtain best outcome.
• Able to understand the technical and financial angles of the project – direct team members on best approach to take.

Specialized Skills:

Required:

• Product Definition
• Comfortable forming and articulating the big picture on where an industry is headed and creating product roadmaps.
• Prior experience defining a highly technical product as a systems engineer or equivalent.

Desired:

• Curiosity to understand the automotive customer of the future.
• German, French and/or Spanish language skills are highly desired.
• Prior experience working with a large enterprise.

Work Flexibility:

• Ability to work flexible schedule. Some travel is required (10-15%).

Compensation Data

In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role will be $155,000 - $175,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.