Project Manager - Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)

Tiltedge Solutions; Warrendale (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiltedge Solutions is seeking an experienced leader to define and execute the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) strategy and roadmap. You will align regional and global objectives, guiding cross-functional teams across product, engineering, IT, and digital to deliver connected vehicle capabilities.

The role requires a deep background in automotive software, strong program governance, and a track record of delivering large-scale roadmaps.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Automotive Product Planning, Program Management, and SDV initiatives.
• Experience with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers preferred.
• Proven track record in developing and executing large-scale technology roadmaps.
• Bachelor's in Engineering; Master's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define SDV vision, strategy, and execution roadmap aligned with OEM objectives.
• Translate business goals into prioritized SDV initiatives and milestones.
• Lead SDV transformation across platforms, apps, and lifecycle capabilities.
• Benchmark SDV strategies to maintain leadership.
• Develop ROI models and governance for SDV investments.

Skills

SDV Strategy & Roadmapping

Cross-functional Leadership

Automotive Software Architecture

OTA & Connected Services

Program Governance

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

QNX

Android Automotive

Cloud platforms

Job description

Role Summary

Lead the definition, planning, and execution of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) strategy and roadmap, aligning regional and global objectives to deliver next-generation connected vehicle capabilities. Drive cross-functional collaboration across business, engineering, IT, and digital teams while enabling scalable SDV platforms, connected services, and lifecycle management.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) vision, strategy, and execution roadmap aligned with global OEM objectives.
• Translate business goals into prioritized SDV initiatives, programs, and milestones.
• Lead phased SDV transformation across vehicle platforms, applications, and lifecycle capabilities.
• Benchmark industry and competitor SDV strategies to maintain technological leadership and competitiveness.
• Establish long-term plans for software-driven vehicle innovation and digital services.

2. Cross-Functional Program Planning

• Identify, define, and prioritize SDV use cases including:
  • Infotainment Systems
  • Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates
  • Digital Key Solutions
  • Connected Vehicle Services
• Collaborate with product management, engineering, business, and digital teams to define priorities and delivery plans.
• Define program KPIs, success metrics, and value realization targets.
• Establish governance frameworks, milestone tracking, risk management, and executive reporting mechanisms.
• Partner with engineering teams to define and evolve SDV architecture covering:
  • Central Compute Platforms
  • Zonal Architecture
  • Vehicle Operating Systems
  • Middleware Platforms
  • APIs and Service Integration
  • OTA Infrastructure
• Ensure alignment with industry-leading SDV ecosystems and platforms such as:
  • Arene
  • QNX
• Enable hardware-software decoupling for scalable software deployment and feature delivery.

4. Ecosystem & Partner Management

• Drive collaboration with:
  • Global engineering teams
  • Business stakeholders
  • Tier-1 suppliers
• Lead joint planning activities and ensure integration alignment across the partner ecosystem.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships supporting SDV platform development and deployment.

5. Connected Operations & Lifecycle Management

• Define and manage vehicle lifecycle capabilities including:
  • OTA Software Updates
  • Feature Activation/Deactivation
  • Subscription-Based Features
  • Software Monetization Models
  • Release Management
  • Feature Rollout Planning
  • Post-Launch Monitoring
• Utilize vehicle and customer data analytics to improve feature adoption and operational performance.

6. Business Case Development & Value Realization

• Develop and maintain business cases and ROI models supporting:
  • ECU Consolidation
  • Cost Optimization
  • Software Reuse
  • Subscription Revenue
• Align SDV investments with:
  • Vehicle Volumes
  • Pricing Models
  • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)
• Track benefits realization against business objectives and targets.

7. Capability Building & Organizational Development

• Assess capability gaps and drive development in:
  • Embedded Software Engineering
  • DevOps
  • Validation & Testing Frameworks
• Support establishment of:
  • SDV Innovation Labs
  • Simulation & Validation Platforms
• Promote SDV best practices, standards, and organizational readiness.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in:
  • Automotive Product Planning
  • Program Management
  • Connected Vehicle Programs
  • Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Initiatives
• Experience with OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers preferred.
• Proven track record in developing and executing large-scale technology roadmaps.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably in:
  • Computer Science Engineering
  • Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Master's degree preferred.

SDV & Connected Vehicle Expertise

Strong understanding of

• Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Architecture
• Zonal ECU Architectures
• Middleware Platforms
• Cloud Integration

Platform Knowledge

Exposure to

• Android Automotive
• Cloud Ecosystems
• API and Service-Oriented Architectures
• Experience leading cross-functional programs involving:
  • Business Teams
  • Engineering Organizations
  • IT Functions
  • Digital Transformation Teams
• Strong program governance, planning, risk management, and stakeholder alignment capabilities.
• Ability to execute global platform strategies while addressing regional market requirements.

Connected Vehicle Lifecycle Management

Experience in

• OTA Release Planning
• Post-Launch Analytics & Monitoring

Business & Commercial Acumen

Ability to develop and evaluate ROI models around

• ECU Consolidation Savings
• Software Reuse Benefits
• Software Feature Monetization
• Vehicle & Product Lifecycle

Stakeholder Management

Strong experience managing and influencing

• Regional Organizations
• Engineering and Product Stakeholders
• External Technology Partners
• Cross-Regional Governance
• Strategic Partnership Management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with QNX and Android Automotive ecosystems.
• Exposure to SDV platform transformation programs.
• Knowledge of cloud-native vehicle software architectures.
• Experience in connected vehicle business models and software monetization strategies.