Sr. Technical Program Manager, Accessibility

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

The Sr. Technical Program Manager will lead the strategic coordination and implementation of digital in-car accessibility solutions across CARIAD and the broader Volkswagen Group. This critical role involves managing the accessibility product backlog, leading PI and sprint planning activities, and ensuring delivery of accessible experiences across platforms and vehicle projects. Acting as the central interface between product, engineering, compliance, and accessibility experts, the TPM will drive continuous improvement in alignment with global accessibility standards such as US.CVAA.

With a deep understanding of inclusive design, assistive technologies, and agile delivery methods, this role will support accessibility from concept through production, ensuring compliance, usability, and innovation at scale across VW Group brands and digital products. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical acumen, hands-on experience with Agile product ownership, and a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex, fast-paced software development environment.

Role Responsibilities:

Lead Accessibility Product Ownership and Agile Planning

• Manage and prioritize the accessibility product backlog.
• Define user stories and acceptance criteria in alignment with Volkswagen Group brand stakeholders and user needs.
• Lead PI and sprint planning activities across multiple teams.
• Ensure delivery and releases of accessibility features within program timelines.

Coordinate Cross-Functional Stakeholders and Communication

• Serve as the main point of contact for accessibility efforts across CARIAD and VW Group brands.
• Align product, engineering, compliance, and design teams through regular updates and documentation.
• Facilitate collaboration with external partners, suppliers, and accessibility experts.

Monitor and Drive Resolution of Accessibility Issues

• Track, triage, and manage accessibility bugs and technical issues.
• Collaborate with development and QA teams on resolution, validation, and retesting.
• Maintain visibility into issue status, risks, and resolution plans.

Champion Accessibility Standards and Best Practices

• Promote WCAG compliance and inclusive design across the organization.
• Organize or support training sessions, documentation, and accessibility workshops.
• Provide guidance on accessible implementation patterns and tools.

General Skills:

• Leads with Integrity: Speaks-up with compassion & empathy to firmly stand by our values, principles, rules & regulations.
• Takes Accountability: Assumes personal responsibility for making and keeping realistic agreements and openly owning mistakes and consequences, while demonstrating continuous commitment and consideration for the larger interests of society, the environment, the company and the team.
• Creates Clarity & Momentum: Aligns people, processes and systems to create forward momentum. Anticipates and removes impediments. Builds consensus and motivates teams to joint-action to achieve common goals across organizational boundaries & cultural differences.
• Thoughtful Problem Solver & Communicator with Executive Presence: Thinks analytically, critically, creatively and communicating with clarity, direction & purpose.
• Intentional Team Builder: Shapes culture, roles & responsibilities with care & empathy to create engaged, empowered & high-performing interdisciplinary teams, working frameworks and processes that drive results & ensure project success.
• Attentive Listener: Listens actively while withholding judgment and advice. Clarifies intentions & motivations to anticipate and address potential conflicts & avoid misunderstanding.
• Drives Diversity: Acts from a deep-rooted belief that we build better teams & products when we empower & learn from the broadest spectrum of humanity.
• Thrives in Ambiguity: Approaches challenges with an open and curious mindset and a strong bias towards action. Zooms out to systematically map out the situation and is comfortable making high impact decisions based on limited or conflicting information.
• Develops Strategy, Partnerships & Business: Strong empathy, influencing and negotiation skills that help create alignment around product execution, budgets, resources, program planning, etc. Highly execution focused by working in conjunction with various stakeholders and counterparts.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Proven experience managing large-scale, cross- functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Familiarity with in-vehicle entertainment services, including Sirius XM, and their integration challenges.
• Strong understanding of automotive software platforms, Android Automotive and entertainment system integrations.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, SAFe) and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross- functional leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven problem-solving and risk management skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize and balance multiple projects effectively.
• Experience with software rollout processes for vehicle systems and applications.

Desired Skills:

• Expertise in system integration and familiarity with APIs, middleware, and automotive communication protocols.
• Familiarity with funding processes and governance (e.g., Brand KUE Funding).
• Knowledge of Infotainment Development process @CARIAD
• Capacity to build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving project requirements
• Ability to prioritize and align multiple infotainment related projects within a broader portfolio

Workplace Flexibility:

• Frequent early morning calls with Germany
• Occasional domestic and international travel

Years of Relevant Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in technical program management, preferably in automotive, software, or entertainment systems.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Desired Education:

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or relevant technical discipline.

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, CA, the salary range for this position is 145,000 - 202,333.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD 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/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.