Job Description & Details
This role sits right at the intersection of firmware development, systems engineering, and cross-functional leadership in the automotive space. You won't just be pushing slide decks around; you'll be actively driving complex chassis systems like electronic braking, steering, and suspension through the entire release lifecycle. If you like untangling hardware-software dependencies and keeping distributed engineering teams aligned under strict safety standards, this is a solid gig.
What You'll Actually Be Doing
Your day-to-day will be a mix of traditional program tracking and deep technical coordination. You'll spend a good chunk of your time triaging defects coming out of lab car testing, vehicle integration, and mileage accumulation while working with domain teams to schedule fixes and manage release checklists. You'll also run cross-functional syncs with hardware, software, and validation teams to map out roadmaps, track KPIs like ISO 26262 and ASPICE compliance, and make sure external suppliers actually hit their delivery dates without breaking the vehicle's firmware architecture.
The Core Tech Stack
You need a strong grasp of automotive networking protocols like CAN, LIN, CAN FD, and Automotive Ethernet because you'll be coordinating system integration across diverse chassis ECUs. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and defect management tools is non-negotiable. More importantly, you need to speak the language of chassis systems—understanding control algorithms and hardware-software interfaces for brakes, steering, and TPMS is critical when you're hashing out technical challenges with the core engineering teams.
Interview Expectations
Expect the hiring manager to throw a real-world scenario at you regarding dependency management and safety-critical software. They'll likely ask how you handle a situation where a critical defect is found in a vehicle test right before a major milestone release, and how you balance schedule pressure with ISO 26262 compliance. They are secretly looking for your ability to remain calm under pressure, make tough risk-mitigation trade-offs, and effectively communicate technical blockages to leadership without throwing engineers under the bus.
Application Advice
When updating your resume for this role, skip the generic project management buzzwords and lean heavily into your technical automotive background. Explicitly mention your hands-on experience with chassis domains like electronic brake assist or electric power steering, and highlight how you've handled release management, defect tracking, and supplier relationships in past automotive programs. Keywords like ISO 26262, ASPICE, CAN FD, and cross-functional firmware integration need to be front and center to clear the initial ATS filters.