Engineering Project Manager

CTC; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Michigan is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex Automated Driving Systems programs from concept to production. The ideal candidate has over 8 years in program management within automotive systems, strong communication, and data analytics skills. This contract position offers an opportunity to influence cross-functional teams and improve project outcomes while adhering to industry standards.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in program or project management within automotive systems.
• Proven record of delivering complex system or software programs in compliance with ASPICE and ISO 26262.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with ability to manage multiple global stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end program planning for ADS and ADAS features.
• Manage change control processes for feature requests and timing constraints.
• Define and monitor KPIs to track performance and improve development efficiency.

Skills

Program management

Project planning

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Data analytics

Process improvement

Team collaboration

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s in engineering or Computer Science

Tools

MS Project

JIRA

ADO

Confluence

DOORS

Job description

Program Overview

As a Program Manager, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex Automated Driving Systems (ADS) programs from concept through production. You’ll serve as the bridge between engineering and product, ensuring technical excellence, schedule adherence, and alignment to strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end program planning — defining scope, objectives, deliverables, and key milestones for ADS and ADAS features.
• Develop and maintain detailed program schedules, dashboards, and risk registers to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Manage dependencies across multiple engineering disciplines (software, system, validation, hardware).
• Proactively identify risks, assess impacts, and drive mitigation or escalation actions to maintain timing and quality goals.
• Lead cross-functional reviews to assess readiness for key program milestones (design reviews, software integration points, validation gates).

Stakeholder Alignment & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between engineering, product planning, global counterparts (including Japan), and executive management.
• Translate complex technical topics into clear program updates, enabling data-driven decisions at all levels of the organization.
• Facilitate collaboration and conflict resolution across diverse teams and time zones to ensure alignment on priorities and deliverables.
• Support senior leadership with program summaries, KPI tracking, and executive presentations.

Requirements & Change Management

• Partner with System and Software Engineering teams to ensure requirements, specifications, and validation plans align with program intent.
• Manage change control processes to balance feature requests, timing constraints, and cost targets.
• Oversee documentation quality and configuration management in compliance with ASPICE, ISO 26262, and internal governance processes.

Performance Tracking & Continuous Improvement

• Define and monitor KPIs (schedule adherence, defect trends, validation coverage, software maturity).
• Leverage data analytics to drive continuous improvement in development efficiency, issue closure rate, and cross-functional communication.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, automate reporting, and enhance team coordination tools.

Leadership & Culture

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and proactive problem solving across all partner teams.
• Mentor junior program leads and engineers on project management discipline and cross-functional communication.
• Champion Toyota’s values of respect for people and continuous improvement (Kaizen) in every phase of development.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s in engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

8+ years of experience in program or project management within automotive systems, preferably ADS/ADAS.

Proven record of delivering complex system or software programs in compliance with ASPICE and ISO 26262.

Strong organizational and communication skills, with ability to manage multiple global stakeholders.

Proficiency with project management and engineering tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, ADO, Confluence, DOORS).

PMP or equivalent certification preferred.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Consulting, Project Management, and Engineering

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting, Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, and Machinery Manufacturing