Automotive Software Program Manager / Release Train Engineer – Contractor – Seniority Mid/Senior

About the Position

We are seeking a Senior Automotive Software Program Manager/Release Train Engineer to join our team in Bucharest. This role involves end-to-end coordination and execution of software programs.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, including product managers, development teams, business managers.
• Define the scope of Software programs together with Product marketing to meet the needs of the dedicated target market and customers.
• Develop and implement change management strategies to ensure smooth transitions during the software development lifecycle.
• Create an overall Program plan aligned with the roadmaps of Software development teams.
• Execute the Program within the agreed time, cost, and quality targets.
• Monitor program progress and performance metrics, create status reports, identify deviations from the plan, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee the Agile Release Train (ART) to ensure smooth and efficient execution of the program’s activities, including Program Increment (PI) planning, iteration planning, and System Demos.
• Organize and facilitate key ART ceremonies such as PI Planning, Scrum of Scrums, ART sync, and Inspect & Adapt workshops.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate risks and dependencies across teams within the ART to ensure timely delivery of program objectives.
• Ensure clear communication and alignment among all stakeholders, including Product Management, System Architects, and other key roles.
• Promote and support Agile practices and principles within the ART, coaching teams to enhance their Agile maturity and performance.
• Manage and track budget-related data at the program/platform level.
• Maintain and consolidate financial data, forecasts, and budget files.
• Track budget consumption vs. plan, identifying deviations and risks.
• Provide clear financial visibility to management to support decision-making.
• Collaborate with finance and program stakeholders to ensure accurate, consistent financial reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with more than 6 years of automotive industry experience.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall, and how to mix them to match project goals.
• Good understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle with a focus on definition and development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in leading diverse multi-cultural teams towards common goals.
• Experience with software project management (3+ years).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of driving results in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with project management tools and software, such as JIRA, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
• Excellent English communication skills (speaking & writing).

Nice to Have

• Automotive specific development processes (ASPICE, ISO 26262).
• Embedded programming experience.
• Experience managing projects or programs using SAFe methodologies.
• Coordination of multiple teams.
• SAFe certified, preferably as Release Train Engineer or SAFe Program Consultant.
• Proven experience in Release Train Engineer role.

We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the automotive software industry.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

About the Company

Our company is a leader in the automotive software industry, dedicated to delivering high-quality software solutions that drive innovation and efficiency in the automotive sector.