Senior Manager, UI Frameworks & Toolchains

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 Senior Manager, System Experience and Applications, leads a team responsible for the strategic vision and execution of system experience and application strategies within CARIAD. This role involves overseeing the design, development, and integration of user-centric systems and applications, ensuring they meet business objectives and industry standards. The Sr Manager will leverage their leadership and technical expertise to drive continuous improvement, manage application lifecycles, and lead cross-functional collaborations to enhance user satisfaction and system performance.

We are seeking high achievers who thrive on exploring uncharted territories, challenging the status quo, and championing new ideas. As a member of CARIAD’s senior technical team, you will also interface with multiple stakeholders of VW Group’s technical team members.

Qualified candidates will be a Subject Matter Expert in one or more of the following domains:

• Android – Android System UI
• Android – Application development
• Embedded SW – Infotainment
• Automotive Cloud SW – Cloud-to-Vehicle

Role Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a long-term vision for system experience and application strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Conduct market research and industry analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and user needs.
• Develop and manage the department's budget and resources.

System Experience:

• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of user-centric system experiences.
• Ensure seamless integration of systems and applications to enhance user satisfaction.
• Analyze user feedback and data to identify areas for improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement of system performance and usability.

Application Management:

• Manage the lifecycle of applications, including development, deployment, and maintenance.
• Ensure applications align with business needs and industry standards.
• Oversee application performance, security, and compliance.
• Lead application development projects and initiatives.
• Develop and implement application strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and automotive industry trends.
• Establish long-term goals and a roadmap for application development and management to support the company’s growth and technological advancement.
• Lead and manage a team of application developers, engineers, and support staff, ensuring effective performance and collaboration.
• Mentor team members, facilitate skill development, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Manage the application portfolio, prioritizing projects based on business impact, resource availability, and strategic importance.
• Ensure the implementation of rigorous quality assurance processes and testing protocols to deliver reliable and high-performance applications.
• Develop and execute strategies for effectively implementing changes to applications and processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement strategies to enhance development workflows and application capabilities.

General Skills:

• Excellent strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication skills, including interpersonal, presentation, and written abilities.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Supervisory and management skills, with capability to strategically hire and organize personnel, set measurable objectives, and align them with broader business goals.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent organization and delegation skills.
• Ability to mentor team members, facilitating skill development across various disciplines and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Proficiency in managing teams, including staffing, performance management, skill development, and fostering a positive work environment.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Ability to approach problems from a platform/framework mindset and design for scaling software across multiple brands and vehicle programs.
• Outstanding documentation, profiling, and debugging skills.
• Strong technical leadership skills with proven experience in fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, promoting a unified approach to achieving project goals, and setting guidelines for handling conflicts to ensure smooth collaboration and code integration.
• Strategic/visionary mindset, capable of setting long-term goals, devising strategic plans to advance system experience and application capabilities, and aligning technical solutions with business goals and strategies.
• Deep knowledge of software development processes.
• Experience with the introduction of software into mass production.
• Experience in developing complex software.
• Expertise in designing and enhancing system experiences with a strong focus on user needs, usability, and engagement.

Desired Skills:

• Passion for creating user-centric software experiences.

Workplace Flexibility:

• Occasional international and domestic travel to provide on-site support and planning/integration workshops with our internal and external stakeholders.

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 12+ years of relevant experience of software development.
• 4+ years of leadership experience in the high-performance object-oriented software design and/or Android application.

Required Education:

• BSc in computer science, robotics, physics, engineering, numerical modeling or a related subject with outstanding grades or equivalent work experience.

Desired Education:

• MSc or PhD and relevant publications and/or patents.

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 $159,600 - 249,800.

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.