Sr Staff TPM, NPI

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

​Role Summary:

The Sr Staff Technical Program Manager, New Product Introduction (NPI) leads the launch of new electronic control units (ECUs) from concept to full-scale production, ensuring they meet cost, quality, compliance, and timing targets. This role drives cross-functional collaboration, supplier performance, and readiness for seamless integration into CARIAD’s hardware portfolio.

Role Responsibilities:

Supplier Management

• Drive strategic supplier selection and qualification globally and locally, ensuring scalability, performance, and compliance aligned with CARIAD’s long-term hardware portfolio goals.
• Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and logistics coordination for EE components
• Lead high-level supplier negotiations on cost, lead times, and service levels in partnership with procurement, optimizing for both cost efficiency and supply security.
• Build and sustain strategic supplier partnerships, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement
• Oversee supplier performance metrics, ensuring readiness and quality targets are met for all new ECUs.

Process and Project Management

• Own the end-to-end NPI process, from concept to production, defining scope, milestones, KPIs, and exit criteria.
• Act as primary point of contact for NPI-related communication between engineering, operations, suppliers, and leadership, ensuring alignment on strategy, priorities, and risk mitigation.
• Serve as the primary NPI liaison, coordinating cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, quality, logistics, procurement, and leadership) to align strategy, mitigate risks, and drive launch readiness, ensuring projects meet cost, quality, and schedule objectives.
• Champion process improvements, lessons learned, and knowledge sharing across the NPI portfolio to optimize efficiency and minimize risk
• Ensure process documentation and project records are complete, current, and compliant
• Provide senior management with data-driven insights on program performance, cost, quality, and delivery.

Quality Assurance & Compliance 

• Oversee incoming inspection and testing of prototype and production parts
• Drive enterprise-level oversight of product quality, regulatory compliance, and design validation for new ECUs.
• Drive resolution of non-conformance issues and verify corrective actions are effective and documented
• Collaborate with engineering and TPM teams to define and validate testing protocols, ensuring products meet technical, safety, and legal standards prior to SOP.
• Incorporate customer feedback, field data, and analytics into strategic product improvement initiatives

​General Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills—verbal, written, and presentation—to effectively collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong organizational and delegation skills, ensuring effective project execution and accountability
• Strategic and visionary mindset, capable of anticipating future technology trends and aligning them with business needs

​Required Skills:

• Proven track record in managing the full lifecycle of New Product Introduction (NPI) from concept through market launch
• Strong technical understanding of hardware product design, manufacturing processes, and integration into automotive systems
• Extensive supply chain management expertise for electrical/electronic (EE) components, including lead time forecasting, obsolescence management, and vendor qualification
• Demonstrated leadership as a New Product Introduction Manager or equivalent role in a complex, regulated industry
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001, environmental regulations)
• Solid understanding of the EE development cycle

​Desired Skills:

• Familiarity with procurement platforms, ERP systems, and inventory management tools for accurate tracking of parts and materials
• Experience with DFx (Design for Manufacturing, Test, and Assembly) principles to ensure efficient product ramp-up

​Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years of new product introduction (NPI) management in the automotive industry/ technology industry
• 2+ years of hardware platform development experience

​Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, supply chain management, engineering, product management or related field

Desired Education

• Master’s degree in engineering, business administration, supply chain management, product management or related field

Work Flexility

• Occasional travel (up to 25%) may be required

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $182,310 - $264,195.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees. 

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. 

Employment with CARIAD Inc. is subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.