Software Program Manager, Senior

Linamar • Livonia, MI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Please note: This position is on-site. At this time, we are not able to offer current or future work authorization transfer or sponsorship. Software Program Manager, Senior Manage and organize embedded‑systems programs within the Engineering organization, coordinating the technical, supplier, manufacturing, build, and validation aspects of MCU‑based automotive controllers from concept through production. This role ensures high‑quality, on‑time delivery of safety‑critical embedded systems by driving software release cadence, integration milestones, and vehicle‑level readiness across multiple vehicle platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, with 8–12+ years of experience in embedded systems program management, systems engineering, or software release leadership.
• Strong understanding of embedded firmware development lifecycles, including real ‑ time systems, application software, bootloaders, diagnostics, and MCU ‑ based automotive controllers.
• Ability to review firmware architecture, timing diagrams, diagnostic flows, and hardware interfaces at a conceptual level.
• Demonstrated success working with cross ‑ functional engineering teams across software, hardware, validation, and manufacturing.
• Experience delivering embedded controllers into production vehicle programs.
• Ability to negotiate and collaborate with external experts and suppliers on technical program topics.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, strategic thinking, and execution discipline.
• Ability to drive clarity and alignment in fast ‑ paced, ambiguous technical environments.
• Exposure to ISO 26262, ASPICE, or other automotive safety and compliance frameworks.
• Experience managing embedded ‑ systems suppliers.
• Creative problem ‑ solving mindset with strong business acumen.
• High personal standards of commitment, ownership, and integrity.
• Self ‑ starter capable of working independently with minimal direction.

Nice To Haves

• An MBA or PMP certification is considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage program timelines and deliverables through integrated work plans, driving embedded ‑ systems execution and escalating risks when tasks are off track.
• Work directly with internal engineering groups and customers to manage program timing, deliverables, and technical alignment.
• Coordinate cost studies, feasibility assessments, and prototype planning with purchasing, engineering, cost estimation, and partner companies.
• Coordinate procurement, prototype builds, flashing strategy, diagnostics readiness, and test activities across engineering teams and other facilities.
• Support program budget objectives and maintain standardized program financial and tracking formats.
• Facilitate resolution of open issues and drive structured closure for go/no ‑ go decisions.
• Lead program status reviews and gate reviews, documenting and distributing meeting minutes, decisions, and action items.
• Prepare program status summaries for management reviews, customer meetings, and technical reviews.
• Manage the transition from development to production launch, ensuring embedded ‑ systems readiness for manufacturing and providing ongoing support to ensure successful launch.
• Facilitate interaction with customers and internal leadership teams, ensuring alignment on technical decisions, trade ‑ offs, and integration strategies.
• Promote coordination and communication across all program participants, including firmware, controls, hardware, validation, and manufacturing.
• Lead all program phase and gate review activities, ensuring readiness and documentation accuracy.
• Work with APQP team members to ensure completion of all phases of the project, including technical studies, specifications, tooling, product testing, sampling, PPAP, and launch readiness.
• Coordinate activities related to technical development, scheduling, and resolution of engineering design or test issues.
• Act as a key liaison between the company, customers, and Tier ‑ 1/Tier ‑ 2 embedded suppliers throughout all program phases.
• Ensure supplier deliverables meet program requirements, quality standards, and timing commitments.
• Lead change management, impact analysis, and decision tracking across hardware, firmware, and system interfaces.
• Identify, track, and mitigate technical, schedule, and supplier risks.
• Support homologation, compliance, and functional safety activities, including ISO 26262 and ASPICE coordination.
• Provide clear, concise executive ‑ level visibility into program health, risks, and mitigation plans.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Employee Benefits package includes but not limited to, Drug, Dental & Vision etc.
• 401k Program
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Sustainability Counsel
• Community based outreach supporting both local and global initiatives and charities.
• Discounts for local vendors and events, including auto supplier discounts.

What This Job Offers

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