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Automotive Program Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Role Summary As a Sr. Technical Program Manager, Service Parts NPI you will be responsible to drive ... in Automotive, Tier 1, OEM, or technical field (vehicle repair a plus) * Bachelors (Masters ...

Role Summary As a Sr. Technical Program Manager, Service Parts NPI you will be responsible to drive ... in Automotive, Tier 1, OEM, or technical field (vehicle repair a plus) * Bachelors (Masters ...

Principal Vehicle Line Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$201K - $287K/yr

Expertise: 12+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale vehicle programs from concept through launch. * Strategic ...

Expertise: 12+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale vehicle programs from concept through launch. * Strategic ...

Sr. Staff Vehicle Line Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$196K - $245K/yr

Experience: 8+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a track record of supporting large-scale vehicle programs through launch. * Collaborative Leadership: Proven ...

Sr. Staff Vehicle Line Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$196K - $245K/yr

Experience: 8+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a track record of supporting large-scale vehicle programs through launch. * Collaborative Leadership: Proven ...

Expertise: 12+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale vehicle programs from concept through launch. * Strategic ...

Principal Vehicle Line Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$201K - $287K/yr

Expertise: 12+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale vehicle programs from concept through launch. * Strategic ...

Experience: 8+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a track record of supporting large-scale vehicle programs through launch. * Collaborative Leadership: Proven ...

Experience: 8+ years in automotive program management or engineering leadership, with a track record of supporting large-scale vehicle programs through launch. * Collaborative Leadership: Proven ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automotive Program Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$40.2K

$112.1K

$163.8K

How much do automotive program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive program manager in Riverside, CA is $112,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Automotive Program Manager do?

An Automotive Program Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of automotive projects, such as vehicle development or component integration. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure that project goals align with company objectives and customer requirements. Their role involves communicating with stakeholders, mitigating risks, and ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

What are some typical challenges faced by Automotive Program Managers when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Automotive Program Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning the goals and timelines of diverse teams, including engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality assurance. Coordinating these groups requires strong communication and negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and keep projects on schedule. Additionally, managing changes in project scope—often due to evolving customer requirements or regulatory updates—demands adaptability and effective risk management. Building strong relationships and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders is key to overcoming these hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, automotive engineering principles, and a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), automotive design tools (such as CAD), and relevant certifications (such as PMP) is often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for managing cross-functional teams and meeting project deadlines. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards in a highly competitive industry.

What is the difference between Automotive Program Manager vs Automotive Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Program ManagerAutomotive Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Business or related field; PMP or project management certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentProject teams, cross-functional departments, management meetingsDesign labs, testing facilities, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, and OEMsAutomotive manufacturers, R&D centers, engineering firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in automotive industryUnderstanding engineering roles in automotive development

Automotive Program Managers focus on overseeing vehicle development projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring timely delivery. Automotive Engineers are involved in designing, testing, and improving vehicle components. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Program Manager jobs in Riverside, CA? For Automotive Program Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Program Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Program Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Automotive Program Manager jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Automotive Program Manager job openings:
Technical Program Manager, ECUs

Technical Program Manager, ECUs

ALTEN Technology USA

Irvine, CA

$125K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Location: Palo Alto or Irvine, CA

You will be responsible for the development and delivery execution of vehicle controls electronic control units (ECUs). This role requires high levels of initiative, independent judgement, and indirect leadership capability. You will be the voice of the Electrical Hardware team among the larger cross-functional organization as well as the champion of vehicle program and cross-functional interests when working within the Electrical Hardware team throughout the product development stages.
You will be responsible for driving the Design, Development, Release, and Validation for different ECUs. You will maintain and ensure awareness of overall program deliverables and report on status and risks to ensure appropriate visibility among teams.

Responsibilities
• Work closely with the Electrical Hardware Design team to create engineering and delivery schedules, closely track engineering progress, and deliveries against overall vehicle deliverable schedules.
• Responsible for driving custom module developments with in-house PCBA designs and mechanical assemblies.
• Identify programmatic risks and work to mitigate and reduce exposure, championing and raising issues and removing roadblocks to hit timing.
• Work with the vehicle line, software, electrical and other teams to identify, come together, and drive critical path and ensure synchronized deliveries.
• Lead and drive the development and integration of ECUs via design reviews, ensuring all pre-production builds are supported to effectively launch the vehicle.
• Coordinate with suppliers and supply chain to ensure timely delivery of components and assemblies for prototype builds.
• Coordinate with Vehicle integration and Electrical Systems to ensure delivery and successful integration of electronic assemblies.
• Push and support the release of all engineering documentation to support PLM.
• Support purchasing efforts as needed to ensure timely deliveries.
• Be able to plan budget for the project and maintain forecast, maintaining risk registers.

Qualifications
• 6+ years of experience on a program team or equivalent experience
• BS+ in Engineering or similar technical degree required
• Detailed knowledge of electronics design, development, validation, and integration process
• Prior relevant engineering experience in ME, EE or systems engineering
• Experience working with Contract Manufacturers and vendors for PCBA, mechanical housings, complex system and high level assembly
• Outstanding program management skills to include development of program plans, schedules, and clear definition and management of program goals
• Proven experience in developing, launching and sustaining complex products
• Demonstrated experience in addressing and solving complex issues
• Strong communication experience with Executive Staff
• Proven experience tracking and driving the progress of multiple projects
• Strong team player and leader known to build trust, collaborate, communicate and partner with cross-functional teams
• Travel as needed to support builds

Salary Range
• $125,000-135,000
• The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.