Senior Software Program Manager

Senior Software Program Manager (Embedded Systems)

This position is responsible for leading complex embedded software initiatives within an engineering environment, overseeing the full lifecycle of microcontroller-based control systems from early development through production launch. The role integrates cross-functional efforts across software, hardware, suppliers, manufacturing, and validation to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of safety-critical systems for automotive applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, ensuring alignment of timelines, deliverables, and technical execution across all embedded system activities
• Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate schedules, expectations, and technical direction
• Support early-stage planning through cost analysis, feasibility reviews, and prototype development in collaboration with engineering, sourcing, and external partners
• Oversee prototype builds, software flashing strategies, diagnostics implementation, and validation activities across multiple teams and locations
• Track program financials and support budget adherence using standardized reporting tools
• Drive issue resolution by facilitating discussions, documenting outcomes, and ensuring timely closure of open items
• Lead recurring program reviews, including milestone and gate checkpoints, with clear documentation of risks, decisions, and actions
• Prepare concise program updates for leadership, customers, and technical forums
• Guide programs through launch readiness, ensuring alignment between engineering outputs and manufacturing requirements
• Serve as a central point of coordination between customers, leadership, and engineering teams to align on technical decisions and trade-offs
• Foster collaboration across software, controls, hardware, validation, and production teams
• Ensure all program phase deliverables are completed and properly documented in accordance with established processes
• Work closely with quality and program teams to support structured development processes, including design validation, tooling, testing, and production approval activities
• Coordinate engineering development efforts, including scheduling and resolution of design or test-related challenges
• Act as the primary interface with external suppliers, ensuring deliverables meet quality, cost, and timing expectations
• Manage engineering changes by assessing impacts, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining traceability of decisions
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to technology, schedule, and supply chain
• Support regulatory, compliance, and functional safety efforts, including coordination with applicable industry standards
• Provide clear visibility into overall program health, including risks and mitigation strategies, to executive stakeholders

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required
• Typically 8–12 years of relevant experience in embedded software delivery, systems engineering, or technical program leadership
• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) or professional certifications (e.g., PMP) are advantageous

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of embedded software development, including real-time applications, low-level firmware, bootloaders, and diagnostics within controller-based systems
• Ability to interpret system-level concepts such as software architecture, timing behavior, and hardware/software interfaces
• Proven experience working across multidisciplinary teams spanning software, hardware, validation, and manufacturing
• Track record of successfully launching embedded systems into production environments
• Experience collaborating with external vendors and engineering partners on technical deliverables
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of an organization
• Comfortable operating in fast-moving environments with evolving priorities and technical complexity
• Familiarity with automotive development standards and compliance frameworks (e.g., functional safety and process maturity models)
• Experience managing supplier relationships for embedded systems development
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities with a business-oriented mindset
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to work independently