Robotics & Drones Program Manager

Aptiv; Troy (MI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptiv is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead robotics and drone hardware/software development projects across the product lifecycle. You will coordinate engineering, product management, autonomy, safety, manufacturing, and operations to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, schedule control, risk mitigation, stakeholder alignment, and clear communication with customers and partners to bring innovative robotics solutions to market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience managing engineering, product development, or technology projects.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams in complex technical environments.
• Experience delivering hardware, software, or integrated system development projects.
• Strong understanding of project planning, schedule management, risk management, and product development processes.
• Proficiency with project management and product lifecycle management tools.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a matrixed organization.
• PMP, CAPM, Agile, Scrum, or equivalent project management certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables for robotics and drone development projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to defined technical, quality, safety, and business requirements.
• Track project progress, identify risks and issues, and drive mitigation and resolution activities.
• Facilitate project reviews, status meetings, design milestones, and decision-making processes.
• Support projects through all phases of the product lifecycle, including concept development, prototype validation, productization, launch, and deployment.
• Partner with engineering and product teams to manage scope, priorities, dependencies, and resource requirements.
• Ensure compliance with internal development processes and project management standards.

Skills

Cross-functional coordination

Schedule management

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Matrixed organization

Project management

Certification (PMP/CAPM/Agile/Scrum)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related technical discipline

Master's degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) in Engineering, Business, or related discipline

Job description

Aptiv is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead robotics and drone hardware/software development projects across the product lifecycle. You will coordinate engineering, product management, autonomy, safety, manufacturing, and operations to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, schedule control, risk mitigation, stakeholder alignment, and clear communication with customers and partners to bring innovative robotics solutions to market.