Program Manager, Crashworthiness

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

 

Job Description
The Program Manager of Crashworthiness 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.

This position is responsible for understanding, communicating, and protecting internal crashworthiness strategy and engineering studies, administration of Mazda’s US and Canadian crashworthiness compliance testing, administration of safety ratings from the Insurance or Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

This position is responsible for maintaining crash safety research programs and communicating up-to-date information on testing and rating protocols. They are expected to serve as Mazda’s lead representative on various research partnerships in occupant protection, sharing knowledge and working with Mazda Corporation (MC) 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 working with cross-functional teams, and passion for keeping Mazda’s customers safe on the roadways. The Program Manager of Crashworthiness 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.

Crashworthiness Strategy – 30%

• Understand Mazda vehicle safety system strengths and weaknesses, providing comparisons by way of competitor benchmarking as needed, and proposing a strategic approach and roadmap for improvement.
• Direct evaluations of crash safety systems needed for the above strategic approach, managing laboratory contracts and to execute testing and collect data as needed.

IIHS/NCAP Safety Ratings – 40%

• Maintain strong working knowledge of all crash test 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 safety systems tests, to include laboratory contracting.
• Attend crash testing, working with MC Crash Safety teams to ensure tests are conducted appropriately and in alignment with manufacturer recommendations.
• Appropriately manage any invalid or poor test results. Make plans and recommendations to improve crash safety performance assessments as needed.
• Cascade crash test results internally and work with Mazda Public Relations and Marketing on external messaging, for low and high achievements.

Regulatory Support – 10%

• Support formulation of a compliance plan toward the use of advanced crash test dummies, pedestrian protection, or other crash safety regulations, test procedures, or voluntary agreements that emerge.
• Participate in industry working groups, monitoring of regulatory and deregulatory opportunities.

Research Support – 10%

• Collect and report trends in US highway crashes and studies to identify areas of opportunity for crash safety systems to lead Mazda to its goal of a crash-free society.
• May include crash data analysis and participation in various US based research programs.

Departmental Support – 10%

• Introduce new ideas and improvement opportunities.
• Respond to requests from Mazda Quality, Accessory, Strategic Planning, Product Planning, Dealer Training, Marketing, Public Relations, and other departments as needed.

Qualifications and Other Requirements:

Education (Minimum):

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (all disciplines).

Experience:

• Minimum 8+ years of related experience including:
  • Experience in automotive crash testing, crash dummies, and dummy setting, virtual and simulation testing, associated data, research resources, and occupant protection solutions that are under development.
  • Experience in the testing and development of air bags, advanced seat belts, child restraints, capabilities, and the associated testing protocols.
  • Experience with IIHS, NHTSA, crash testing labs, 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.
• Skilled in data analytics and visualization tools – Excel, Tableau, Power BI, etc.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office including 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 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