Prototype Workshop Manager - Automotive

About the position

The Manager Prototype Workshop (MPW) oversees, manages, executes and coordinates all engineering testing activities of prototype/pre-series test cars. The test data and analysis reports, which are generated by a team of engineers, specialist and highly skilled technicians, will be utilized internationally for decision-making and approval processes in order to reach milestones within the VW Group Product Development Process (PDP). The role is located at the VWGoA Oxnard Engineering Campus (OEC) and encompasses full accountability regarding conclusiveness and accuracy of test results, meeting deadlines set forth by the vehicle projects, as well as budget and resource management. The OEC is a key location to support and execute the NAR Engineering strategy, to fulfill regulatory requirements concerning certification activities, as well as to support various engineering testing activities. The role reports directly to the Vice President, US Testing and requires a high level of independence, as well as operational decision-making capabilities while interfacing with development entities within NAR Engineering and VWAG.

Responsibilities

• Escalates to US Testing Leadership potential issues related to product compliance, as well as possible significant project concerns that could potentially result in delays of certification or production.
• Strategically assesses short and long-term budget, investment, and headcount requirements, as well as executes chargeback billing for the organizational unit in close cooperation with VWGoA Finance Controlling.
• Enhances Workshops team's operational excellence by setting and attaining clear, precise, and achievable key performance indicators on an annual basis.
• As a member of the US Testing Core Leadership team, contributes to consensus and decision-making process to ensures aligned with the overall US Testing and NAR Engineering strategy.
• Grows and enhances technical competencies and expertise within the organizational unit to support further NAR Engineering regionalization efforts and development job split.
• Independently manages team tasks and testing responsibilities in regard to the OBD fleet evaluation of up to 50 prototype vehicles.
• Oversees testing priorities, schedules, reporting, documentation and testing operations.
• Guides team to completion of regular updates of software and hardware as well as maintenance and repair of test vehicles.
• Responsible for accomplishing technical requirements in operation of OEC based OBD test at other corporate location.
• Liaison to OBD Development teams (VWAG, VWMX, Bentley Motors) to ensure coordination of test plans, trips, open topics, and ongoing strategic partnerships.
• Independently manages team tasks and testing responsibilities in regard to the Whole Vehicle Durability Fleet evaluation of up to 10 prototype vehicles.
• Works closely with Senior Manager, Durability Testing at the APG to ensure optimally synergized operations to meet testing milestones.
• Ensures adequate resources are in place to effectively support Durability Testing at the OEC.
• Oversees completion of software/hardware updates and related reporting to effectively meet software and hardware release deadlines.
• Coordinates the future testing platform catalog (CLUU) to accurately convey function-testing results.
• Responsible for Brake Testing operation at the OEC effectively supporting the hardware release for VW NAR projects as part of the Product Development Process.
• Oversee management of Brake Test build, instrumentation, and test completion.
• Management of full-time driver staff outside of daily Brake Testing needs to ensure coverage and completion of other ongoing projects, fleets, and facility topics at the OEC.
• Maintains network within Chassis Development (VWAG, VWMX) to strategize on upcoming testing requirements and investments.
• Acts as 'Primary Point of Contact' for visiting engineering and test teams at the OEC.
• Coordinates technical and evaluation support of Management level Test Drives, including at other VWGoA Corporate locations.
• Responsible for vehicle destruction process at the OEC as specified by fleet owners while including supplying official documentation for US Customs and ensuring environmental compliance throughout the process.
• Collaborates with department Managers to provide technical support to other engineering groups at Oxnard campus as requested to accomplish shared goals.
• Supervises preparation, measurement, and analysis support of Emissions Laboratory customer's vehicle testing.
• Creates, owns, and approves documented OEC Workshop work instructions and reviews respective standards and instructions.
• Ensures all operational efforts are utilizing established work processes and management systems.
• Supports hiring managers during recruiting and onboarding of new members to ensure proper training, materials and systems access is requested and available.
• Manages and administers performance and talent management process for all direct reports, set goals and objectives, provides constructive feedback, and creates development plans.
• Creates, maintains, reviews, and evaluates job descriptions for direct reports and initiates hiring process as needed.
• Assures the adequate qualification of team employees for the defined tasks in order to meet all KPI's set forth by each applicable management system.

Requirements

• 15 years in an automotive engineering, research and development or vehicle testing environment.
• VW/Audi or ASE Master Certification Associates of Automotive Technology or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field or equivalent experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in engineering.
• Extensive Volkswagen and/or Audi technical product knowledge.
• Knowledge of serial bus systems (CAN, LIN).
• Basic level German language skills.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule (including weekends) in order to accommodate the needs of all business interfaces.
• Minimum 40 hours per week, maximum as needed to fulfill business requirements.
• Designated facility emergency contact to ensure after hours / weekends emergency management.
• Occasional travel to domestic locations (3-4 times per year).
• Position requires to be onsite full time during core business hours (7 AM - 4 PM).