Technical Project Manager III, NAR Delivery

Cariad, Inc.•Chattanooga, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it. Role Summary: The Technical Project Manager III, NAR Delivery position for North America will lead the delivery of the Cloud & Connect system for the E³ 1.1 Platform across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, contributing to the integration and rollout of NAR-specific solutions in alignment with European teams. This role involves planning, tracking and managing software engineering and system integration activities, resolving technical impediments, managing risks and dependencies, and ensuring effective communication across multiple stakeholders using Lean-Agile practices. Acting as the primary interface between brands, delivery units, and integration teams, this individual will monitor progress, drive feature ramp-up, and ensure successful rollout of Cloud & Connect solutions tailored for the North American market.

Requirements

Demonstrated successes in developing strong long-term working relationships across many layers of an international organization and across cultural boundaries.
Coordinate and allocate resources appropriately to reach project goals.
Able to provide both high-level strategic context and dive into the weeds on Continuous Development and Release Process Management.
Success in technical program management.
Experience leading interdisciplinary teams through function release & validation.
Understanding of vehicle software architecture and the fundamentals of different electronics systems on modern vehicles.
Experience managing multiple product areas and backlogs simultaneously.
Comfortable interacting with executive managements across multiple business functions.
Knowledge of Automotive processes and standards.
Experience driving system integration activities, including test planning, validation, and cross-team coordination.
Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field.
5+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 3+ years and a Master’s degree.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of VW Group Product Development & Release Processes.
History of working with VW Group suppliers.
Network within the Volkswagen. Groups R&D Organizations.
Bi-lingual in German & English.
Master's Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the planning, tracking, and execution of Cloud & Connect software rollout activities for the E³ 1.1 Platform (MEB/MQB with OI@A) in North America.
Define milestone plans with development teams, ARTs, and solution management in close alignment with the Delivery Unit.
Track project schedules, risks, and dependencies, escalating impediments to ensure timely completion.
Align rollout strategy and execution with European Cloud & Connect teams, ensuring synchronization of NAR-specific adaptations.
Apply automotive-industry-specific processes that bridge agile and classic project methodologies.
Monitor progress and prepare reports on KPIs to support project reviews and milestone achievements.
Support and facilitate PI Planning events, ensuring readiness, participation, and outcome tracking.
Oversee system integration activities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in close collaboration with local teams and function owners.
Coordinate the integration of the non-Cariad SP and App environment localized in North America into the existing end-to-end chain.
Lead feature ramp-up, error burndown, and system validation on test benches and vehicles.
Plan and execute integration testing activities, including coordination between feature owners, suppliers, and technical experts.
Analyze and resolve technical challenges, identify root causes, and define actionable resolution plans.
Steer and monitor external work package contracts, verifying deliverables meet technical and timing expectations.
Serve as the CARIAD T1 SPOC for the NAR market, supporting reporting to brands and delivery units.
Maintain and update documentation of project and integration status, ensuring information is accurate and accessible for program managers and architects.
Coordinate with solution management and architects to continuously improve solution performance and delivery.
Maintain clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, progress, and issues.
Resolve conflict resolution and issue tracking by gathering data, identifying dependencies, and escalating appropriately.
Report system integration status, risks, and critical issues to T1 stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.