Program Manager, Crash Avoidance

Job Type: Location Type: Remote: open to residents of specific US states

 

Job Description
The Program Manager of Crash Avoidance supports alignment with Mazda’s safety philosophy and adherence to requirements set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS), and voluntary industry agreements.

The position is responsible for understanding, communicating, and creating a roadmap to improve Mazda’s current Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Responsibilities include maintaining the detailed knowledge and data analytics necessary to develop and deploy safety-focused ADAS and automated vehicle (AV) systems in the US and providing direction on future technologies using science-based approaches to include connected vehicle data, crash data, competitor benchmarking, and leading market research.

This position is responsible for maintaining ADAS/AV safety research programs and communicating up-to-date information on crash avoidance system testing and rating protocols from the Insurance or Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), and Consumer Reports (CR). They are also expected to serve as Mazda’s lead representative on advanced safety technology research partnerships such as the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS), sharing knowledge and working with Mazda Corporate (MC) Japan to create actionable next steps to improve Mazda vehicles, and notifying the team of emerging trends or regulations.

This is a highly visible position requiring high attention to detail, organization, collaborative spirit for working with cross-functional teams, and passion for keeping Mazda’s customers safe on US roadways. The Program Manager will firmly uphold and communicate Mazda’s safety philosophy, based on our human-centric approach and vision for zero fatalities caused by new Mazda vehicles by 2040.

ADAS / AV Safety Strategy – 30%

• Understand Mazda vehicle safety system strengths and weaknesses, providing comparisons by way of competitor benchmarking as needed, and propose a strategic approach and roadmap for improvement.
• Direct evaluations of ADAS / AV needed for the above strategic approach, managing laboratory contracts and schedules and working with the R&D ADAS testing team to execute testing and collect data as needed.

IIHS / NCAP / CR ADAS Assessments (Safety Ratings) – 40%

• Maintain strong working knowledge of all crash avoidance ratings programs, test procedures, and protocols to include anticipated changes or updates to the programs such that Mazda can attain the highest possible ratings.
• Make recommendations in the nomination and selection of Mazda vehicles for rating of crash avoidance systems tests, to include laboratory contracting.
• Attend ADAS /AV testing, working with R&D ADAS testing team to ensure tests are conducted appropriately and in alignment with manufacturer recommendations.
• Appropriately address any invalid or poor test results. Make plans and recommendations to improve ADAS performance assessments as needed.
• Cascade ADAS test results internally and work with Public Relations and Marketing on external messaging, for low and high achievements.

Regulatory Support – 10%

• Support formulation of a compliance plan toward FMVSS 127, if the regulation or other similar ADAS/AV regulations or voluntary agreements emerge and move forward.
• Participate in industry working groups, monitoring regulatory and deregulatory opportunities.

Research and Data Analysis – 10%

• Collect and report trends in US highway crash data and studies to identify areas of opportunity for crash avoidance systems to lead Mazda to its goal of a crash-free society.
• Analyze connected vehicle data for ADAS /AV or other vehicle safety improvements, as needed.
• Serve as subject matter expert on advanced safety technology research partnerships such as PARTS, sharing knowledge and working with MC to create actionable next steps to improve Mazda vehicles.

Departmental Support – 10%

• Introduce new ideas and improvement opportunities.
• Respond to requests from cross-functional teams including Quality, Accessory, Strategic Planning, Product Planning, Dealer Training, Marketing, Public Relations, and other as needed.

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

Education (Minimum):

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (all disciplines).

Experience:

• Minimum 8+ years of related experience including:
  • Experience with ADAS /AV challenges and opportunities to include distraction, impairment, speed and the associated data, research resources, and solutions that are under development.
  • Experience in the testing and development of automotive ADAS/AV to include sensor types, capabilities, and testing protocols.
  • Experience with IIHS, NHTSA, CR or similar organizations preferred.
  • Experience developing and maintaining relationships with government and industry representatives.
  • Project management experience preferred.

Training/Certification:

• A satisfactory driving record as determined by the Company and a current, valid State driver’s license are required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of FMVSS, the rulemaking process, and voluntary agreement pathways preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, with the ability to convey information effectively across diverse cultures. Skilled in speaking clearly and using plain language, particularly when Japanese language translation is required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, cross-functional teams, and external vendors with an awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity.
• Strategic thinking and advanced decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop clear, compelling concepts and data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools – Excel, Tableau, Power BI, etc.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook as well as the ability to learn and effectively utilize other software applications used within the Company
• Knowledge of automotive systems and how individual components contribute to overall vehicle performance and safety.
• Ability to maintain strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Positive attitude and willingness to teach, learn, and grow.

Travel:

Approximately 1 time per month

#LI-Remote

We support Remote work in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

Pay Range
$104,200.00 – $158,950.00
Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Learn more about MNAO’s comprehensive benefits package here