Principal Engineer - Connectivity

Job Summary

Job Description Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive Were a global, multi-disciplinary team thats transforming the future of mobility through innovative automotive technologies. At HARMAN Automotive, youll have the opportunity to lead complex connectivity programs, collaborate with global customers, and drive the delivery of next-generation connected vehicle solutions.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Connectivity Program Manager to lead automotive connectivity programs from India. The role requires strong program management, customer-facing experience, stakeholder management, and technical understanding of connected vehicle technologies. You will be responsible for end-to-end program execution, delivery management, resource planning, and customer satisfaction while working with global engineering teams.

What You Will Do

• Lead end-to-end delivery of automotive connectivity programs.
• Act as the primary customer interface for program execution, delivery, and escalations.
• Define project scope, timelines, milestones, and delivery plans.
• Manage program schedules, budgets, risks, dependencies, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate with global cross-functional teams, including software development, validation, system engineering, architecture, and product management.
• Drive customer discussions, project reviews, and executive status meetings.
• Ensure all program deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and meet quality expectations.
• Support effort estimation, change request management, and project planning.
• Manage resource planning, onboarding, utilization, and team capacity across multiple projects.
• Track project KPIs, identify delivery risks, and implement mitigation plans.
• Mentor project managers and engineering leads to improve execution and delivery.
• Drive continuous process improvements and ensure compliance with organizational standards.

What Makes You Eligible

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (BE/B.Tech) or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience in automotive software development, with at least 5 years in Program or Project Management.
• Strong experience managing automotive Connectivity, Telematics, or Infotainment programs.
• Experience working with global OEM customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Agile, and Waterfall methodologies.
• Proven experience in customer management, stakeholder management, and executive communication.
• Experience in project planning, budgeting, scope management, risk management, and change request management.
• Strong resource planning and team management skills.
• Good understanding of automotive connectivity technologies, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, CAN, Automotive Ethernet, Telematics, Cloud Connectivity, and OTA updates.
• Experience using project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, MS Project, or similar.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Android Automotive OS (AAOS), Linux-based embedded systems, or automotive middleware.
• Knowledge of Automotive SPICE, Functional Safety, or Cybersecurity is an added advantage.
• PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or Scrum certifications are desirable.
• Experience working with Japanese, European, or North American OEMs is preferred.