Project Manager - Vehicle Durability / Field Operational Test

Applus IDIADA • Corona, CA

1d • Onsite

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.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field (required).
• Ability to sit, stand, and work for extended periods of time in an office setting.

Nice To Haves

• 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).
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive relevant experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing program across multiple locations in the United States.
• Oversee comprehensive field operational test (FOT) activities involving a substantial fleet of test vehicles equipped with advanced sensor systems for data collection.
• Manage all aspects of multi-site operations, including team coordination, vehicle fleet management, route planning, safety compliance, and 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.
• Support business growth in different engineering fields in the United States, with support from international teams from IDIADA Headquarters and other IDIADA Business Units.
• Support test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment.
• Meet all workplace health and safety requirements and practices.

Benefits

• TOP Employer certified company
• Opportunity to develop a career in one of the worldwide leading automotive engineering companies.
• Internal / transversal mobility within the company.
• Offer job positions around the world.
• Opportunity to challenge yourself and enhance your technical skills.
• Work in a thriving environment.
• Work alongside world-leading experts.

What This Job Offers

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