Sr. Powertrain R&D Infrastructure Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to oversee the end-to-end development, from Scoping & Planning, Acquisition, Design, Construction, to integration & acceptance, of specialized capital R&D infrastructure projects. This role is critical to the successful execution of capital projects supporting advanced research, development, and testing of EV powertrain technologies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record managing full capex projects life cycle from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Acquisition and Planning:
   • Collaborate w/Corp Facilities to support the acquisition process for new EV automotive R&D facilities, including site selection, feasibility studies, and due diligence
   • Collaborate w/Corp Facilities to support the permitting process, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental assessments, zoning laws, and specialized industrial permitting
   • Develop detailed project scopes, budgets, and timelines, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals and the technical requirements of EV automotive research
   • Collaborate with internal R&D teams, engineers, and product developers to define the specific requirements for the facility for EV component testing (cleanliness/filtration, pressure, humidity, exhaust, other utilities, etc.)
   • Collaborate with supply chain for project sourcing and ensure best vendors, general contractors and A&E firms are selected for the project
2. Design Management:
   • Collaborate with internal R&D teams and engineers to support the design process for high-tech, specialized EV powertrain facilities (e.g., dynamometer labs, powertrain labs, environmental simulation chambers)
   • Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure designs meet the specific needs of EV automotive research, with a focus on powertrain and battery development
   • Ensure that facility designs comply with the latest safety standards, industry regulations, and sustainability initiatives
   • Conduct facility design reviews with key R&D stakeholders to ensure the facility infrastructure supports both current and future research needs in EV development
3. Construction Oversight:
   • Collaborate w/Corp Facilities to support the construction management process, overseeing all activities related to the construction of EV powertrain R&D facilities, ensuring that specialized infrastructure is installed accurately
   • Ensure contractors and subcontractors maintain project schedules, budgets, and quality standards
   • Verify all Subcontractor and Vendor quotes for accuracy, competitiveness, and re-quote, if required
   • Ensure the construction of climate-controlled environments and high-voltage safety systems is done to precise technical specifications
4. End to End Project Management:
   • Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams  (e.g., automotive engineers, product developers, R&D teams, procurement, finance and Supply chain) and external consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies
   • Provide regular project updates, presentations, and reports to senior management, highlighting progress, milestones, and any project risks or deviations for the entire cycle of the project implementation
   • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure the facility design and construction meet the needs of different business owners of the projects and utilized according to Facility plans
   • Collaborate with Purchasing to prepare and issue purchase orders, oversee storage for material purchases, specify delivery locations, and manage long lead time items
5. Risk Management and Compliance:
   • Identify and manage project risks related to budget, schedule, and regulatory compliance
   • Ensure the project adheres to all permitting and zoning requirements
6. Budget and Cost Control:
   • Develop and manage detailed budgets for capital projects related to EV R&D facilities, ensuring that all financial targets are met without compromising on the functionality or quality of the infrastructure
   • Provide regular financial updates to leadership, managing cost forecasts, and tracking project expenditures
   • Work closely with procurement teams to manage contracts, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure cost-effective delivery of specialized equipment and materials
7. Post-Construction and Commissioning:
   • Ensure all systems are fully operational and meet stringent safety, performance, and compliance standards before handing over the facility to the operational team
   • Manage the transition of the facility from construction to operational use

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred
• Experience: 10+ years of experience managing large-scale, high-tech construction projects, with a focus on R&D facilities in the automotive sector, particularly EV or related advanced manufacturing facilities
• Skills:
  • Expertise in managing EV automotive R&D projects, including knowledge of specialized testing environments, battery labs, and prototyping workshops
  • In-depth understanding of the permitting and regulatory requirements specific to high-tech R&D facilities, particularly in the automotive and EV space
  • Proven ability to manage capital projects from acquisition through design, construction, and commissioning, with a focus on supporting advanced EV technologies
  • Strong knowledge of laboratory infrastructure for battery testing, powertrain development, and high-voltage safety standards
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with senior stakeholders
  • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera) and financial management tools

Certifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) preferred

Key Competencies:

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities tailored to the challenges of high-tech R&D environments in the EV automotive sector
• Understanding of powertrain systems, and EV infrastructure requirements – Good to have and not a must
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple high-profile projects simultaneously
• Advanced risk management skills, particularly related to the complexities of the EV (Good to Have and not a Must) automotive industry and emerging technologies