Dir, Testing & Validation Operations

Job Summary:

This role is responsible for setting up and managing the testing requirements of VW-Group vehicles incl. electric vehicles in the US. Effectively communicate all test results to VW AG and upper Quality Management within the NAR Factories. Supervisory responsibilities include management of the VW Test Fleet Operations, analysis and testing engineers and other personnel assigned to the Test Fleet. This includes overall responsibility for establishing, administrating and monitoring budget allocations. The Test Fleet consists of VW, Bentley, other brand vehicles as requested and a certain amount of competitor vehicles.

Job Responsibilities:

Oversee Operations of approximately 100 vehicle pre-production testing and validation fleet – 70% of time spent

• Support NAR Factories and VW AG to test cars by organizing communication-, test- and approval drives, monitoring the fault database and ensuring follow-up on open problems and faults. This also includes generating a report of the fleet status and presenting it to NAR Top Management
• Establish and maintain relationship to engineering companies. Find and hire external personnel to work at the VW TCs as engineers, technicians and drivers.
• Establish and secure the budget for all VW NAR Test Fleet operations and contracted services. Monitor the budget by regularly reviewing operational costs with all involved parties.
• Organize and oversee the US Fleet testing and validation activities for VW AG and VWGoA. This includes setting testing procedures, areas and priorities of testing. Ensure that the procedures are being followed and that the integrity of the tests is being maintained.
• Organize cars, locations, routes and meetings for VW AG and VWGoA Management Drives in the US. Lead the drive, prepare and conduct the wrap up meeting after the drive.
• Determination and validation of problems identified, prepare a report and present this to VW AG / NAR Management
• Prepare and conduct upcoming durability test for new models built outside of Europe
• Validate SW field fixes and related field application

Additional responsibilities –30% of time

• Ensure visibility of the test fleet in Germany by giving presentations to the VW AG Management and NAR Leadership on the main activities, goals and findings in the US
• Establish and maintain relationships to NAR Factories VW AG Quality departments
• Establish or maintain cooperation’s with possible stake holders within VW Group
• Clarify political trends and potential financial benefit programs
• Establish an Electric infrastructure that can support the testing activities
• Ensure all TC meet testing requirements and renew equipment if necessary
• Scout and prepare for new market trends to be tested within NAR Test Fleet
• Prepare Test environment for new model and technology complexity

Required Experience:

• 10 years of relevant experience

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent work experience

Desired Education:

• Master’s or Automotive degree

Required Skills:

• Very strong contacts to NAR Factory Quality and VW AG Quality departments and familiarity with the VW processes of product releases including E-vehicles
• Legal knowledge in vehicle operation, test requirements and environmental laws
• Knowledge of strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique as well as people and resource coordination
• Fluent in English and German

Desired Skills:

• Experience in durability testing
• Experience with VW Test Fleets

Work Flexibility:

• Business trips to various US testing locations, Germany and Mexico
• Business tips to various locations for special VW AG and NAR Management drives
• Work schedule dependent on job requirements and actual tasks

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/exp