Project Manager - Vehicle Durability / Field Operational Test

Applus+ IDIADA; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

APPLUS IDIADA is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing program across multiple U.S. locations.

You will oversee field test activities, manage vehicle fleets, plan routes, ensure safety and quality, and maintain strong client relationships. The role requires 7+ years in project management (5+ in field operations), expertise in ADAS or autonomous testing, and a willingness to travel up to 30–40%.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of project management experience, preferably in automotive, technology, or field operations environments.
• At least 5 years of experience in field operations management, public road durability testing or automotive testing programs (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) or autonomous vehicle testing projects.
• Proven track record managing multi-site operations with distributed teams across multiple geographic locations.
• Strong budget management and financial oversight experience, including P&L responsibility (preferred).
• Experience managing large teams (20+ people) with diverse skill sets and responsibilities.
• Valid US driver's license required; willingness to travel across the U.S. up to 30-40% of the time.
• Experience working with international teams and clients is highly desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing program across multiple locations in the United States.
• Oversee field operational test (FOT) activities involving a substantial fleet of test vehicles with advanced sensor systems for data collection.
• Manage all aspects of multi-site operations: team coordination, vehicle fleet management, route planning, safety compliance, and client relationship management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client communications, ensuring deliverables meet time and budget targets with high safety and quality standards.
• Identify future business growth opportunities with support from international teams.

Skills

Project management

Field operations

ADAS / autonomous testing

Leadership

Budget management

Multi-site operations

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

PMP certification (desirable)

Job description

Applus+ IDIADA is a global partner to the automotive industry, supporting its clients in their product development activities by providing design, engineering, testing and homologation services. As a TOP Employer certified company, we have a large team of more than 3000 professionals drawn from over 22 countries, as well as an international network of subsidiaries and branch offices in 25 countries which ensures that our clients get customized, added-value solutions. IDIADA offers you the opportunity to develop a career in one of the worldwide leading automotive engineering companies.

At Applus IDIADA we are looking for talent to help us shaping the mobility of tomorrow with safer, more efficient, and sustainable vehicles. With presence in 22 countries, we offer job positions around the world and internal / transversal mobility within the company. The automotive sector is currently living a moment of deep technological change. At IDIADA, we focus on constant innovation to adapt our services’ portfolio to an ever-changing environment. Therefore, as part of our team, we expect you to be dynamic and eager to learn and grow with us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing program across multiple locations in the United States. This role will oversee comprehensive field operational test (FOT) activities involving a substantial fleet of test vehicles equipped with advanced sensor systems for data collection.

The successful candidate will manage all aspects of multi-site operations, including team coordination, vehicle fleet management, route planning, safety compliance, and client relationship management. This position requires strong leadership skills, technical understanding of autonomous vehicle systems, and the ability to manage complex logistics across distributed operations.

The Project Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for client communications, ensuring project deliverables are met on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

The project's success will create potential future opportunities for the Project Manager for business growth in different engineering fields in the United States, with support from international teams from IDIADA Headquarters and other IDIADA Business Units.

Qualifications

Professional Profile

• Minimum 7 years of project management experience, preferably in automotive, technology, or field operations environments.
• At least 5 years of experience in field operations management, public road durability testing or automotive testing programs (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) or autonomous vehicle testing projects.
• Proven track record managing multi-site operations with distributed teams across multiple geographic locations.
• Strong budget management and financial oversight experience, including P&L responsibility (preferred).
• Experience managing large teams (20+ people) with diverse skill sets and responsibilities.
• Familiarity with safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and risk management in automotive or testing environments.
• Valid US driver's license required; willingness to travel across the U.S. up to 30-40% of the time.
• Experience working with international teams and clients is highly desirable but not required.

Essential Qualities & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Outstanding communication abilities, both written and verbal, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills with ability to make decisions under pressure.
• High adaptability and flexibility to manage changing priorities in a dynamic operational environment.
• Technical aptitude with ability to understand and communicate complex autonomous vehicle systems concepts.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities with attention to detail.
• Results-oriented mindset with focus on meeting deadlines and achieving project objectives.
• Collaborative approach with ability to work effectively across different departments and organizations.
• Passion for automotive technology and commitment to advancing the future of mobility.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field (required).
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline (preferred but not required).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent (highly desirable).
• Lean Six Sigma certification or similar process improvement credentials (a plus).
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive relevant experience will be considered.

Additional Information

Job Functions

• Must be physically able to support test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment.
• Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work extended hours and weekends.
• Meet all workplace health and safety requirements and practices.
• This role requires the ability to sit, stand, and work for extended periods of time in an office setting.
• This role may require occasional travel

Schedule

• Monday to Saturday

APPLUS IDIADA is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

APPLUS IDIADA is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.