Senior Vehicle Engineering Programs Lead

Karma Automotive; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

Dental & Vision Plans

Health Savings Account

Well-Being Program

Life Insurance

401(k) Match

Relocation Assistance

EAP

Paid Holidays

Hybrid Work Schedule

Employee Driving Program

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

Karma Automotive in Irvine, CA, seeks a Principal Engineering Program Manager to lead complex vehicle programs from concept through PV, launch readiness, and SOP. You will drive integrated plans, phase-gate milestones, and risk mitigation across Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain.

You will establish program governance, templates, KPI scorecards, and toolkit standards while mentoring the next generation of program managers.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline; advanced degree and/or PMI/PMP preferred.
• 10–15 years in automotive engineering or program management, preferably OEM/Tier 1.
• Demonstrated success leading complex vehicle or systems programs from concept through production.
• Expert-level project management: scheduling, critical path, risk, resources, KPI reporting, executive communication.
• Strong leadership to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams with ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Own the integrated engineering program portfolio from concept to SOP and phase-gate exits.
• Lead cross-functional execution across Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Vehicle Program Management.
• Establish and improve governance, readiness reviews, executive cadence, and documentation.
• Drive program management using MS Project, Jira, SharePoint to maintain schedules, risks, and dashboards.
• Mentor and develop program managers; build organizational capability as portfolio grows.
• Coordinate parts readiness, tooling, material availability, and build planning across programs.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Scheduling

Executive communication

Risk management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Software, or Systems Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Jira

SharePoint

Job description

Karma Automotive in Irvine, CA, seeks a Principal Engineering Program Manager to lead complex vehicle programs from concept through PV, launch readiness, and SOP. You will drive integrated plans, phase-gate milestones, and risk mitigation across Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain.

You will establish program governance, templates, KPI scorecards, and toolkit standards while mentoring the next generation of program managers.