Director - (Connectivity/Telematics/5G/V2X)

The Product Engineering Lead is responsible for end-to-end ownership of product engineering, delivery and execution for SBU Connectivity s Ready Connect product families and 2-Wheeler TCU. This role anchors delivery on both hardware (Form Factor Reference Design) and software (Best-Known Configuration) baselines, driving reuse, quality, and speed across the portfolio leveraging hardware and software core assets.

This role will play a critical role in shaping product roadmaps while working closely with Product Management, supporting pre-sales and new customer acquisition, and institutionalizing engineering practices for operational and innovation excellence. This role steers multidisciplinary teams from concept to launch, ensuring traceability and governance for each release. Collaboration with SBU Connectivity Project and Customer Delivery teams is essential to ensure seamless integration, alignment, and timely execution.

The position oversees 6-10 direct reports (including Directors, Senior Principal Engineers, Engineering Managers, and Distinguished Engineers) and leads a global team of 50-80 members for successful delivery of 4-wheeler and 2-wheeler TCU solutions.

What You Will Do

• Product Ownership : Lead end-to-end product development across hardware and software, aligned with SBU strategy, roadmap, and delivery goals.
• Engineering Leadership : Direct cross-functional teams (System, HW, SW, Security, Validation) to deliver high-quality FFRD/BKC releases on schedule and KPIs.
• Roadmap Management : Co-own hardware/software roadmaps; balance platform evolution with customer-specific requirements.
• Process Excellence : Champion SAFe Agile, CI/CD, and DevSecOps best practices; ensure traceability, documentation, and compliance.
• Quality Compliance : Establish and operate pre-compliance methodologies; drive product validation, reliability, and ISO/UNECE certification readiness.
• Customer Engagement : Act as the technical lead for RFQ teams, demos, and solution delivery; ensure customer satisfaction and feedback integration.
• Team Development : Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global engineering team fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Stakeholder Management : Partner with Product, Finance, and PMO teams; communicate progress, risks, and decisions transparently.
• Risk Performance Management : Oversee budgets, schedules, and KPIs; proactively identify and mitigate delivery risks.
• Continuous Improvement : Drive post-launch reviews, lessons learned, and process enhancements for sustained product excellence.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e. g. , Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration) or equivalent work experience
• Proven experience in product development and delivery management, product development, or related roles, with a track record of successful project deliveries
• A minimum of 20 years of working experience in the automotive or technology industry.
• 10+ years of experience in leading high performing globally distributed engineering teams.
• In-depth knowledge of agile development methodologies and tools with product delivery expertise with a solid understanding of SAFe Agile practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective stakeholder collaboration.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycles, including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities
• A broad technical background with general knowledge of cellular and network technology (5G, V2X MEC), standards, mobile devices, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, cloud-based services, software architectures, and automotive-grade products and processes.
• Ability to communicate advanced and complex concepts and ideas persuasively and concisely to all levels.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Strong software development expertise.
• PMP/SAFe Agile Certification(s).
• Strategic thinker with a data-driven mindset and strong business acumen.
• Passion for innovation and emerging technologies shaping the future of mobility.

What Makes You Eligible

• You are willing to travel up to 30% domestic and 15% international travel.
• Due to the nature of global teams and customer base, you understand that flexibility in working hours is required.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location.
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc. ).
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Be Brilliant employee recognition and rewards program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. No matter what role you play, we encourage you to share your ideas, voice your distinct perspective, and bring your whole self with you - all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training, development, and continuing education, further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s, we ve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today, that legacy endures, with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter, safer, and more connected.

Across automotive, lifestyle, and digital transformation solutions, we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere, from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature today s most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world s ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands, such as JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel, we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers, our partners and each other.

If you re ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today !

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HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation. ( www. harman. com )