About the job
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies combines the strengths of two major names in automotive innovation. This partnership focuses on developing electric vehicles, with work spanning operating systems, zonal controllers, cloud platforms, and advanced connectivity. The joint team tackles the challenges of software-defined vehicles and aims to set new benchmarks for the industry by blending expertise in connectivity, artificial intelligence, and security.
Role overview
The Manager of Electrical Design Technical Program Management will oversee program execution for electronic control units (ECUs), with emphasis on Infotainment and Connectivity subsystems. This position covers the entire hardware lifecycle: from design and development through release and validation. The Manager serves as the main representative for the Electrical Hardware team within a broad cross-functional organization.
Key responsibilities include ensuring vehicle program requirements are met, guiding execution for the Electrical Hardware team, and delivering the ECU portfolio. The role involves building and maintaining engineering schedules, identifying and mitigating program risks, coordinating efforts with suppliers and internal teams, and supporting all pre-production builds to meet hardware and software integration timelines for vehicle assembly.
Collaboration with ECU Technical Program Management leadership and other engineering leaders is central here. The Manager will help drive improvements in documentation and processes to support scalable, agile development. Focusing on 'shift left' opportunities, the role enables earlier insights for hardware and software teams, helping reduce development cycles and supporting faster, higher-quality launches for brand partners.
What success looks like
- Full ownership of ECU program delivery for Infotainment and Connectivity subsystems
- Effective schedule management and risk identification throughout the product lifecycle
- Strong coordination with suppliers and cross-functional teams
- Consistent support for pre-production builds and integration milestones
- Active leadership in process improvements and documentation initiatives
- Promotion of early insights and shorter development cycles for hardware and software teams
Who thrives in this role
- Leaders who show initiative and independent judgment
- Individuals with a solid technical background and strong program management instincts
- Those able to influence and guide both direct and indirect teams
- Professionals comfortable driving complex, multi-team projects to completion
Location
Palo Alto, California

