Mgr, Driver Assist & Verification

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

This position is a career level 29L, and is located in San Jose, CA with a role classification of Fully On-Site.

The Manager Development Driver Assistance & Verification is responsible for leading multiple teams and projects delivering Driver Assistance (ADAS) development, verification, validation and release activities across Audi vehicle platforms. The role ensures reliable execution across scope, quality, timing and cost, while serving as a key escalation and alignment point between Managers and the functional Director.

Building on strong delivery ownership, the Manager coordinates interdisciplinary development and validation activities from early concept phases through implementation, testing and release readiness. The role actively manages technical risks, resource allocation and cross functional dependencies and supports the Director in enforcing governance, maturity reporting and release preparation.

The Manager works closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and strategic partners and contributes to continuous improvement of development and verification methods, tools, and processes within the assigned responsibility area.

This position is a career level 29L, and is located in San Jose, CA with a role classification of Fully On-Site.

The Manager Development Driver Assistance & Verification is responsible for leading multiple teams and projects delivering Driver Assistance (ADAS) development, verification, validation and release activities across Audi vehicle platforms. The role ensures reliable execution across scope, quality, timing and cost, while serving as a key escalation and alignment point between Managers and the functional Director.

Building on strong delivery ownership, the Manager coordinates interdisciplinary development and validation activities from early concept phases through implementation, testing and release readiness. The role actively manages technical risks, resource allocation and cross functional dependencies and supports the Director in enforcing governance, maturity reporting and release preparation.

The Manager works closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and strategic partners and contributes to continuous improvement of development and verification methods, tools, and processes within the assigned responsibility area.

Possible Tasks within this Role

Delivery Ownership – ADAS Development, Verification & Release (45%)

• Own delivery outcomes across multiple ADAS projects or functions, ensuring achievement of quality, timing, and cost targets
• Coordinate development, simulation, validation and release activities across teams and interfaces
• Ensure validation evidence, test coverage, and documentation are complete and consistent
• Identify and manage technical and delivery risks; escalate critical issues to the Director as required
• Represent delivery status, risks, and mitigation plans in senior project and management forums

Team & People Leadership (30%)

• Lead and develop multiple teams, including line managers and senior engineers
• Support performance management, coaching and professional development
• Ensure effective workload balancing, prioritization and resource utilization
• Foster a collaborative, quality focused and accountable working culture

Cross Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Management (15%)

• Act as a central coordination point between development, validation, integration and vehicle teams
• Interface with suppliers and strategic partners to ensure aligned technical execution
• Support cross brand and cross organizational alignment within Volkswagen Group structures

Process Contribution & Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Contribute to the improvement of development, validation and reporting processes
• Support rollout of tools, methods and best practices within the organization
• Act as operational delegate for the Director on selected topics or forums

Qualification requirements

Education

Required

• Master’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical or comparable)
• Extensive knowledge of autonomous driving development (ADAS_AD)

Desired

PhD in in Engineering (Automotive Systems Engineering, robotics, computer science or comparable)

• 10+ years of experience in automotive R&D, Product Development and/or Project Management
• 10+ years of experience with Autonomous or ADAS functions

Skills

• Strong leadership capability to lead multiple teams or projects through subordinate managers or senior engineers
• Proven ability to own delivery outcomes end‑to‑end across ADAS development, verification, and validation activities
• Advanced project and program execution skills, including planning, tracking, risk management and escalation
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to resolve complex, cross‑functional technical issues
• Ability to operate effectively in international and cross‑brand environments
• Clear and structured communication skills suitable for top management and cross‑organizational alignment
• High level of ownership, accountability and initiative toward quality and delivery excellence
• Ability to balance hands‑on technical engagement with multi‑team leadership responsibilities

Specialized Skills

Required

• Strong experience in ADAS development, simulation, verification, and validation, with ability to guide teams from concept to release
• Solid understanding of ADAS system architectures, including sensors, control logic, software‑hardware integration and vehicle interfaces
• Experience applying VW Group / Audi development, validation, and release processes
• Ability to review and assess validation strategies, test results and maturity status across multiple projects
• Experience coordinating with suppliers and strategic technology partners on technical delivery topics

Desired

• German language skills
• Working knowledge of scenario‑based validation, SIL/HIL and data‑driven verification approaches
• Awareness of U.S. regulatory and standards frameworks (e.g., NHTSA, DOT, SAE) and their impact on validation and release readiness

Compensation Data

For California and Fully remote jobs only:

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, industry-based experience, skills, training, credentials, and other qualifications.
In the state of California, the salary range is $152,100 - $243,300.

Volkswagen Group of America 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.

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.