Staff Technical Program Manager — Android Framework & Projection Certification

Introduction:

The Staff Technical Program Manager for Android Framework, Apps, and CarPlay/Android Auto Certification will lead execution across AAOS framework integration, system and customer-facing application delivery, projection stack readiness, and certification compliance for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This role carries end-to-end accountability for planning, technical dependency management, partner coordination, issue triage, and certification readiness from early bring-up through launch. The role serves as the primary program-level interface between Ford engineering, product teams, validation organizations, suppliers, and external certification partners to ensure high-quality infotainment experiences are delivered on schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain integrated execution plans for Android Automotive OS framework, middleware, system apps, projection stack, validation, and certification deliverables.
• Coordinate dependencies across Android framework services, vehicle HAL/VHAL interfaces, projection, app lifecycle, UX, and HMI integration teams.
• Lead CarPlay and Android Auto certification readiness, including test planning, requirement traceability, issue triage, exception management, partner communications, and submission package coordination.
• Drive alignment between Ford engineering teams, validation teams, suppliers, and certification stakeholders to resolve compliance gaps and platform integration issues.
• Lead triage and recovery plans for defects impacting AAOS stability, app behaviour, projection connectivity, Bluetooth, media routing, certification test pass rate, or customer-facing infotainment experience.
• Provide clear status, risk, dependency, and escalation reporting for technical and executive audiences, translating complex software and certification issues into actionable program plans.
• Drive concurrent execution across framework, apps, projection, certification, and release readiness workstreams while helping engineering teams prioritize critical path deliverables.
• Improve software delivery practices, certification tracking, documentation, dashboards, and cross-functional operating rhythms for the infotainment software organization.

Requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in software program, product, release, or technical program management.
• 5+ years of experience working with Android, embedded Linux, infotainment, mobile projection, connected-device, or automotive software programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Experience with Android Automotive OS, Android framework services, system applications, AOSP development, HAL/VHAL integration, or platform middleware.
• Experience delivering Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto programs, including certification planning, test execution, bug triage, exception handling, and reviewer communications.
• Strong understanding of infotainment domains such as Android Framework, media, audio routing, projection, app lifecycle, HMI/UX integration, and vehicle signal interfaces.
• Experienced in using Jira, Jama, Confluence, test management systems, and release dashboards to manage cross-functional software execution.
• Experience negotiating technical scope, schedules, and tradeoffs with software suppliers, platform partners, validation teams, and certification stakeholders.
• Experience in automotive infotainment, embedded software, consumer electronics, mobile device ecosystems, or software-defined vehicle platforms.
• PMP, Scrum Master, Agile, or equivalent program delivery certification is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

Android Automotive OS, AOSP, Android Framework, System Apps, VHAL/HAL integration, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Media, Audio, Projection, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Certification Readiness, Test Planning, Defect Triage, Exception Management, Jira, Jama, Confluence, Supplier Coordination, Release Readiness

Additional Notes:

This role requires strong technical judgment, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to drive Android platform, apps, and projection certification workstreams through ambiguity while maintaining clear ownership, traceability, and launch discipline.