Project Manager - Vehicle Durability / Field Operational Test

Applus IDIADA • Corona, CA

6d • $120,000 - $160,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing program across multiple locations in the United States. This role will oversee comprehensive field operational test (FOT) activities involving a substantial fleet of test vehicles equipped with advanced sensor systems for data collection.
The successful candidate will manage all aspects of multi-site operations, including team coordination, vehicle fleet management, route planning, safety compliance, and client relationship management. This position requires strong leadership skills, technical understanding of autonomous vehicle systems, and the ability to manage complex logistics across distributed operations.
The Project Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for client communications, ensuring project deliverables are met on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.
The project's success will create potential future opportunities for the Project Manager for business growth in different engineering fields in the United States, with support from international teams from IDIADA Headquarters and other IDIADA Business Units.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of project management experience, preferably in automotive, technology, or field operations environments.
• At least 5 years of experience in field operations management, public road durability testing or automotive testing programs (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) or autonomous vehicle testing projects.
• Proven track record managing multi-site operations with distributed teams across multiple geographic locations.
• Strong budget management and financial oversight experience, including P&L responsibility (preferred).
• Experience managing large teams (20+ people) with diverse skill sets and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and risk management in automotive or testing environments.
• Valid US driver's license required; willingness to travel across the U.S. up to 30-40% of the time.
• Experience working with international teams and clients is highly desirable but not required.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Outstanding communication abilities, both written and verbal, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with ability to make decisions under pressure.
• High adaptability and flexibility to manage changing priorities in a dynamic operational environment.
• Technical aptitude with ability to understand and communicate complex autonomous vehicle systems concepts.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities with attention to detail.
• Results-oriented mindset with focus on meeting deadlines and achieving project objectives.
• Collaborative approach with ability to work effectively across different departments and organizations.
• Passion for automotive technology and commitment to advancing the future of mobility.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field (required).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent (highly desirable).

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of experience in field operations management, public road durability testing or automotive testing programs (preferred).
• Strong budget management and financial oversight experience, including P&L responsibility (preferred).
• Experience working with international teams and clients is highly desirable but not required.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline (preferred but not required).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent (highly desirable).
• Lean Six Sigma certification or similar process improvement credentials (a plus).

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of multi-site operations
• Team coordination
• Vehicle fleet management
• Route planning
• Safety compliance
• Client relationship management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client communications
• Ensuring project deliverables are met on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level