Senior Program Manager

About the role

May Mobility is dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying autonomous vehicle technology that enhances mobility and reduces congestion. We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Senior Program Manager to serve as the central coordinator among various teams involved in vehicle development. This includes Safety, Vehicle Engineering, Autonomy, Manufacturing, Quality, Business Development, and Operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of vehicle programs progress smoothly, milestones are met on schedule, and communication flows effectively across departments. Reporting directly to the Senior Manager of Program Management, this role requires a proactive approach to managing complex projects, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement in vehicle development processes. The position involves overseeing multiple Autonomous Vehicle platforms, ensuring that technical, safety, quality, and financial objectives are achieved efficiently and effectively.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the entire program schedule, tracking progress from initial product definition through to the OK to Launch phase for one or multiple Autonomous Vehicle platforms, ensuring all milestones are met on time.
• Identify task dependencies across teams and facilitate clear communication to ensure alignment on deliverables, timelines, and priorities.
• Monitor potential risks throughout the program lifecycle, proactively developing mitigation strategies to address issues before they impact project timelines or quality standards.
• Act as the primary liaison with development partners and clients, ensuring that program objectives are clearly communicated, expectations are managed, and vehicle-related issues are escalated and resolved promptly.
• Develop, manage, and track program budgets, ensuring financial targets are met, variances are addressed proactively, and resources are allocated efficiently across projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams to define and achieve cost targets for the bill of materials, aligning with the company's growth and scaling goals.
• Implement necessary changes to project plans, schedules, or scope to meet evolving requirements while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Prepare detailed progress reports, including key achievements, challenges, and proposed solutions, and present these to stakeholders regularly to maintain transparency and alignment.
• Advocate for safety and quality as core principles in all program activities, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practices.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of vehicle development processes by identifying bottlenecks and implementing best practices to streamline workflows.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across departments to facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure production readiness and smooth transition from development to deployment.
• Support the integration of new technologies and features into vehicle platforms, ensuring they meet program specifications and safety requirements.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to program health, schedule adherence, budget compliance, and safety metrics.
• Lead efforts to resolve technical or logistical issues that may arise during vehicle development, ensuring minimal impact on project timelines.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the program management team, encouraging feedback and process enhancements.
• Ensure all program activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and company policies.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members involved in vehicle development projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field focused on Product Development or Program Management.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing complex programs involving hardware and software integration, preferably within the automotive industry or at an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier or OEM.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven experience in developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation plans.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of liaising effectively with technical teams, clients, and executive stakeholders.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with vehicle development processes, including safety standards and quality assurance practices.
• Ability to analyze technical data and translate it into actionable project plans.
• Experience managing program scope changes and implementing process improvements.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time for meetings, site visits, or collaboration with partners.
• Valid U.S. driver's license and ability to pass a driving record check.
• Experience working with or operating May Mobility vehicles is a plus.

Nice to have

• PMP Certification or other recognized project management credentials.
• Experience working in fast-paced startup environments or technology companies.
• Background working with Japanese Automotive OEMs or suppliers, understanding their processes and expectations.
• Knowledge of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or vehicle control products.
• Familiarity with ITAR regulations and compliance requirements related to vehicle technology.

Skills & tools

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
• Technical aptitude to understand complex vehicle systems and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Willingness to operate May Mobility vehicles as needed for testing or demonstration purposes.
• Competence in using project management tools and software to track progress and manage documentation.

Practical notes

• This position is based remotely, providing flexibility in work location while requiring on-site presence at times for meetings or vehicle operations.
• May Mobility offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, retirement plans, and paid parental leave.
• We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply and value different perspectives in our team.
• The salary range for this role is $95,000 to $115,000 USD, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Candidates must be able to pass a background check and hold a valid U.S. driver's license.
• The role may involve operating May Mobility vehicles for testing, demonstrations, or other program-related activities.
• We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and are an equal opportunity employer.
• This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual capable of managing complex projects in a dynamic environment, contributing to the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology.

About the company

May Mobility is transforming cities through autonomous technology to create a safer, greener, more accessible world. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, May develops and deploys autonomous vehicles (AVs) powered by our innovative Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology that literally reimagines the way AVs think.