Luminar is a global automotive technology company ushering in a new era of vehicle safety and autonomy. For the past decade, Luminar has built an advanced hardware and software/AI platform to enable its more than 50 industry partners, including the majority of global automotive OEMs. From consumer vehicle programs with Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz to technology partnerships including NVIDIA and Mobileye, Luminar is poised to be the first automotive technology company to enable next-generation safety and autonomous capabilities for global production vehicles.
For more information, please visit www.luminartech.com.
Team Overview:We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead complex, cross-functional programs from initiation to successful launch. This will include directing and managing project work to meet all program requirements and deliverables while interfacing with all levels of internal cross-functional teams on all aspects of planning, scheduling, organizing, directing, monitoring, and controlling the program. The ideal candidate will manage large-scale projects within the automotive, aerospace, or defense sectors, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with stakeholder needs. The Program Manager will act as the primary point of contact for internal teams and customers, driving collaboration and ensuring that program milestones are met.
Responsibilities:- Lead and manage large, complex programs from project award to successful product launch, ensuring adherence to the phase/gate process. Drive projects to meet objectives within the set budget and timeline.
- Develop and maintain detailed program schedules, tracking key milestones and deliverables, ensuring on-time project execution.
- Organize and lead cross-functional team meetings, ensuring alignment across engineering, production, sourcing, quality, and other departments. Regularly report program status to senior management, internal teams, and stakeholders.
- Develop and implement comprehensive risk assessments, identifying potential issues and executing mitigation strategies to keep the program on track.
- Manage day-to-day communication with key customers. Host customer visits, provide program progress updates, and address concerns as needed. Lead weekly sync meetings with customers to ensure alignment.
- Collaborate with product line management to ensure the product meets technical requirements and validation standards, working closely with technical leads and engineering teams.
- Hold team members accountable for meeting quality standards and delivery timelines.
- Support cost reduction initiatives, working with teams to identify and implement improvements.
- Assist Business Development Managers in exceeding sales targets, securing series production wins, and driving marketing initiatives.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Optical Engineering, or related field)
- Experience: 8+ years of program management experience in Automotive (OEM/Tier 1), Aerospace, or Defense sectors. Experience transitioning from rapid-prototyping designs to production-ready systems
- Technical Expertise: Knowledge of advanced automotive technologies, including sensors and systems, with an understanding of automotive hardware
- Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, holding individuals accountable while fostering a collaborative environment
- Problem-Solving: Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve program challenges and risks
- Customer-Focused: Always prioritizes customer needs and works diligently to meet their requirements and expectations
- Strategic Thinking: Able to think strategically while managing day-to-day program execution, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience leading cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, sourcing, material management, and quality teams
- Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to interface with customers and stakeholders at all levels
- Attention to Detail: High attention to detail and business acumen, with a focus on delivering high-quality results
- Independence: Ability to work with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills, able to manage complex projects efficiently
- Self-Starter: Capable of working independently and in fast-paced environments, adapting to changing priorities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced Degree: MBA or Master's in Program Management
- Certifications: PMP, Prince2, or similar program management certifications
- Industry Experience: Direct experience with Autonomous Driving (ADAS/AV), LiDAR technologies, or self-driving vehicles
- Software Expertise: Experience working with auto-grade software
- Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with ISO 26262, ISO 14229, ISO 15031, ASPICE, and IATF Standards
Luminar is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We will make a reasonable accommodation for any qualified applicant with a disability, provided that the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation and that the accommodation would not impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please let us know if you believe you require reasonable accommodation, or if you would like assistance to complete an application or to participate in an interview at the company.
At Luminar, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays a base between $145,000.00 and $199,000.00* per year. Within this range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. You will also be eligible to receive other benefits including: equity in the form of restricted stock unit awards, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement for formal education related to advancing your career at Luminar. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire and schedule type.*Note that the pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting.
Top Skills
What We Do
Luminar (Nasdaq: LAZR) is an autonomous vehicle sensor and software company with the vision to make autonomy safe and ubiquitous by delivering the only lidar and associated software that meets the industry’s stringent performance, safety, and economic requirements.
Luminar has rapidly gained over 50 industry partners, including 8 of the top 10 global automotive OEMs. In 2020, Luminar signed the industry’s first production deal for autonomous consumer vehicles with Volvo Cars, while also recently striking deals with Daimler Truck AG and Intel’s Mobileye. Luminar has also received minority investments from the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Daimler Truck AG, and Volvo Cars, a global leader in automotive safety, to accelerate the introduction of autonomous trucks and cars at highway speed.
Founded in 2012, Luminar is a nearly 400-person team with offices in Palo Alto, Orlando, Colorado Springs, Detroit, and Munich.
