Principal Program Lead Mobility Concepts and Technology - ICC

Volkswagen of America, Inc; Belmont (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Volkswagen of America, Inc is seeking a Program Manager at the Innovation & Engineering Center California in Belmont. This role involves overseeing a large-scale project portfolio, managing resources and schedules, and forming strategic partnerships. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 10+ years of experience, and strong skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication. The salary range is $155,000 to $175,000, adjusted by geographical location.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience with a post-graduate degree.
• 8+ years as a technical project leader or in developing technical systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage project schedules and resources with internal partners.
• Oversee a large-scale project portfolio.
• Expand research network and secure funding.
• Develop relationships with external partners.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Creative problem-solving

Effective communication skills

Influencing skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

Job description

At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands and transfer technologies from multiple industries into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change that impacts both the world’s largest car maker and millions of lives.

Role Summary

The position focuses on program management at ICC, managing project schedules and resources with internal partners, teams, and suppliers. The incumbent serves as the key interface between the VW Group R&D centers, US affiliates, external partners, and suppliers, overseeing a large‑scale project portfolio, safeguarding intellectual property, and forming strategic partnerships.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Role Responsibilities

Strategic Portfolio/Resource Management

• Manage a portfolio of projects around a particular cluster topic.
• Secure and manage internal and external project budgets and milestone deliverables.
• Drive strategic planning of the cluster roadmap.
• Secure intellectual property and develop roadmaps for the cluster(s).
• Lead research and development activities to support the cluster(s).

Business Development

• Expand the research network between Volkswagen Group and local entities.
• Secure internal project funding for research initiatives from VW Group partners.
• Transfer ICC project outcomes to internal Volkswagen Group partners and customers.
• Communicate regularly with and influence partners in Germany.
• Develop a supplier network with local Silicon Valley companies (e.g., prototype design and development).

Technology Development and Management

• Present project/progress reports and presentations to top management, mentors, partners, and project affiliates.
• Conduct research.
• Initiate and implement partnerships with external partners such as companies, research institutions, and universities.
• Transfer technologies and solutions to Volkswagen Group stakeholders.

Mentorship

• Provide mentorship and guidance to Project Managers and Leads on the team.

Qualifications – External

Years of Relevant Experience

• 10+ years with a post‑graduate degree.
• 8+ years or more as a technical project leader or in the development of technical systems.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Chemical, Material, Automotive, etc.).
• Desired: Master’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Chemical, Material, Automotive, etc.).

Skills

• Provide clear, unbiased assessment of project status and needs to partners, stakeholders, and management.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason.
• Creative and strategic problem‑solving mindset – exhibit good judgement in making decisions.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary, time‑bound, target‑oriented environment.
• Effective people and resource management – functional and strategic.
• Assertive with excellent communication skills – presentation, written, and interpersonal.
• Continuous questioning and challenging of the status‑quo, documenting and applying lessons learned.
• Team player with good collaboration and integration skills – joining people, processes, and systems.
• Proven influencing and negotiation skills – steer projects to obtain the best outcome.
• Understanding of the technical and financial angles of a project – direct team members on the best approach to take.

Specialized Skills

Required

• Product definition.
• Comfortable forming and articulating the big picture on where an industry is headed and creating product roadmaps.
• Prior experience defining a highly technical product as a systems engineer or equivalent.

Desired

• Curiosity to understand the automotive customer of the future.
• German, French, and/or Spanish language skills are highly desired.
• Prior experience working with a large enterprise.

Work Flexibility

• Ability to work a flexible schedule. Some travel is required (10‑15%).

Compensation Data

In Silicon Valley (California), the salary range for this role will be $155,000 – $175,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience. Salary is determined by geographical location and adjusted accordingly.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and we do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Other Notices

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

This Organization participates in E‑Verify. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing.