Sr. Principal Scientist - R&D

Toyota Deutschland GmbH; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care & wellness plans

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) seeks a Senior Program Manager for Research Strategy & Portfolio Management in Ann Arbor, MI. You will drive strategy, governance, and partnerships across TRINA's research portfolio, guiding investments and aligning with Toyota's global innovation goals.

You will influence executive decisions, collaborate with leaders and external partners, and represent TRINA in strategic initiatives, travel as needed, and provide actionable insights on AI and

Qualifications

• This role requires a PhD in a technical discipline and at least 15+ years of progressive leadership in research strategy, innovation management, technology planning, and strategic partnerships.
• Experience influencing executive decision-making and shaping enterprise priorities is essential.
• Familiarity with research funding ecosystems and university collaboration models is preferred.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across large, matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and governance frameworks for research portfolio prioritization, investment decisions, and resource allocation across TRINA.
• Analyze investments, outcomes, and opportunities to align with Toyota's long-term strategy and innovation goals.
• Advise senior leadership on prioritization, budgeting, and strategic investments.
• Coordinate strategic research initiatives and build external partnerships with universities, national labs, industry, and government.
• Prepare executive-level analyses, business cases, and recommendations; communicate insights effectively.

Skills

Portfolio governance

Strategic planning

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

AI & advanced tech insights

Leadership

Education

PhD in Engineering / CS / Data Science / Physical Sciences / Business Strategy / Public Policy

Job description

Overview

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, TN, (job flexibility benefits) (also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability), etc.) now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

Who we’re looking for

The Research Strategic Office (RSO) of Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to serve as the Senior Program Manager for Research Strategy & Portfolio Management.

This position is responsible for leading TRINA's research strategy, portfolio governance, and strategic partnership initiatives that directly influence long-term research investments, organizational priorities, and Toyota's global innovation strategy.

Working directly with research leadership, executive stakeholders, and external partners, this role evaluates emerging opportunities, optimizes research investments, and strengthens TRINA's position within the global research ecosystem. The role serves as a strategic advisor to TRINA leadership and operates with a high degree of autonomy in developing recommendations that influence enterprise research direction, resource allocation, and partnership priorities.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of portfolio governance frameworks that guide research prioritization, investment decisions, and resource allocation across TRINA.
• Analyze research investments, outcomes, and emerging opportunities to ensure alignment with Toyota global strategy and long-term innovation objectives.
• Advise senior leadership on research prioritization, resource allocation, and strategic investment decisions.
• Lead strategic planning activities that connect research initiatives to future business opportunities and technology roadmaps.
• Coordinate strategic research initiatives across TRINA and Toyota global research organizations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with leading universities, national laboratories, industry partners, government agencies, and research consortia.
• Represent TRINA with executive leaders in external strategic collaborations.
• Prepare executive-level business cases, analyses, presentations, and recommendations.
• Provide strategic insights on AI, advanced technology, and research ecosystems.
• Influence organizational decisions through strategic analyses, executive communications, and cross-functional leadership.

This position will be located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What you bring

• Must have a PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Physical Sciences, Business Strategy, Public Policy, or other related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience spanning research strategy, innovation management, technology planning, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong record of influencing executive decision-making and shaping enterprise-level priorities.
• Experience or an understanding of research funding Ecosystems and University Collaboration Models.
• Track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives to successful outcomes.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills.
• This role follows our return to office policy, work schedule, requiring onsite attendance Monday through Thursday. Remote work on Fridays may be permitted based on project priorities and business requirements; however, employees should be prepared for periodic mandatory onsite Fridays as needed.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10%-20% domestically and internationally and maintain scheduling flexibility to participate in early and or late-evening meetings with stakeholders as business needs require.

Added bonus if you have

• Experience leading or supporting advanced research organizations and innovation portfolios.
• Experience or working knowledge of AI, technology forecasting, benchmarking, and innovation intelligence.
• Experience in global, matrixed organizations.

What we’ll bring

During your interview process, our team will provide you with all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
• Relocation (if applicable)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [e-mail].