Prinicipal Component Management (f/m/d)

We are CARIAD, the automotive software company of the Volkswagen Group. Our teams build automotive software platforms and digital customer functions for iconic brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche – supporting the Volkswagen Group in becoming the leading automotive technology company. With CARIDIANS in Germany, the USA, China, Estonia, and India, we are transforming automotive mobility for everyone.

Join us and be part of this exciting journey!

YOUR TEAM

At CARIAD, we are driving the development of next-generation software and digital platforms for the Volkswagen Group. As Principal Component Management, you will ensure the successful delivery of complex software and system solutions across multiple products, technologies, and development streams. Working at the intersection of engineering, product development, and program execution, you will play a key role in aligning teams, managing dependencies, and driving delivery excellence throughout the product lifecycle. You will collaborate with a broad network of stakeholders across engineering organizations, business functions, external partners, and brands to bring innovative mobility solutions to life.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

- Lead the delivery of complex software and technology products from development through successful deployment and product release

- Ensure alignment of execution plans, milestones, and delivery commitments across multiple development teams

- Monitor progress against strategic objectives, timelines, budgets, and quality targets

- Coordinate activities across interdisciplinary engineering teams and organizational units

- Drive transparency regarding delivery status, risks, dependencies, and mitigation measures

- Ensure effective collaboration across software, systems, integration, validation, and business stakeholders

- Own delivery planning, milestone tracking, quality assurance, and budget adherence

- Establish effective governance mechanisms and stakeholder reporting structures

- Identify and proactively resolve complex technical, organizational, and operational challenges

- Collaborate with external partners, suppliers, and service providers to ensure successful delivery outcomes

- Align development activities, priorities, and quality expectations across internal and external stakeholders

- Manage interdependencies across technology domains and product teams

- Act as the primary point of contact for delivery-related topics and escalations

- Build strong relationships with engineering leaders, business stakeholders, and executive management

- Facilitate informed decision-making through transparent communication and structured reporting

WHO YOU ARE

- Completed university degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Business Informatics, or a comparable field

- Several years of professional experience in delivery or program management in the automotive environment

- Proven experience in managing large-scale software or technology development projects through SOP

- Successful collaboration within complex stakeholder structures and strong cross-functional collaboration skills

- Experience in highly complex product development involving multiple development teams

- In-depth understanding of modern software development processes, system integration, and the entire product development and delivery cycle

- Ability to quickly understand complex technical contexts and bridge business requirements and technical perspectives

- Familiarity with modern software development methodologies and common development practices

- Strong execution focus and a high degree of accountability

- Ability to make sound decisions even in dynamic situations and under ambiguous conditions

- Excellent analytical skills as well as strong planning and problem-solving capabilities

- Excellent communication skills and strong stakeholder management expertise

- Confident interaction with both management-level leaders and technical experts

- Fluent English; German language skills are an advantage

- Basic to advanced knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the use of modern AI tools and data-driven ways of working

- Openness to applying and continuously developing AI skills to increase efficiency, innovation, and the quality of results

At CARIAD, we embrace individuality and diversity because we believe our differences make us stronger. We actively seek to build teams with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. If you need assistance with your application due to a disability, please reach out to us at [email protected] - we are happy to support you.