Contract - Engineering Program Specialist II

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it. 

The Engineering Program Specialist II supports the hardware development and prototype build teams by managing the movement, classification, and documentation of development hardware. This role ensures compliant shipping/receiving, accurate export control classification, and hands-on logistics execution for R&D operations and prototype builds. This role requires development of a deep understanding of logistics and compliance processes to ensure that engineering requirements are met efficiently and responsibly.  The position also provides technical program management support and NPI build coordination.

• Determine and document technical export classifications (e.g., ECCN, EAR99, dual-use assessment) in collaboration with engineering teams and export compliance team
• Maintain export compliance records and audit documentation
• Assist with internal and external compliance audits
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and monitor process adherence to support audit readiness and compliance requirements.

• Coordinate proactively with vendors to track orders, resolve logistical challenges, and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure compliant international shipments
• Manage inbound/outbound shipments
• Pack, label, prepare compliant shipments with proper documentation included.
• Receive incoming packages, components, and prototype hardware
• Inspect shipments for accuracy and damage
• Generate commercial invoices and logistics documents

• Support hardware TPMs with program management activities including scheduling, action tracking, as well as capturing notes, risks and blockers.
• Identify potential process inefficiencies, risks, or blockers and propose process optimizations and actionable solutions that enhance workflow efficiency and user experience.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication between engineering, compliance, and supply chain

• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• High attention to detail and regulatory awareness
• Structured, process-driven mindset
• Experience with NPI builds
• Exposure to hardware TPM workflows
• Excellent prioritization and time management skills, capable of balancing multiple competing tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Experience with export compliance, trade compliance and customs operations including EAR/ITAR and customs processes
• Knowledge of logistics, shipping/receiving, lab operations
• Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders
• Familiarity with hardware development, electronics, or automotive R&D environments
• Hands-on, operational approach

• Experience with automotive safety (ISO 26262) and cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434).
• Background in V2X (C-V2X/DSRC), positioning improvements, or time synchronization.
• Exposure to backend/cloud connectivity, data pipeline reliability, and OTA campaign orchestration.
• Familiarity with certification paths (PTCRB/GCF/Carrier) and related test tooling.

• 2+ years of experience working in hardware development operations
• Experience with export control and international shipping
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Familiarity with prototype development environments

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, International Trade, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• ​This is a contract W2 position
• Compensation: $55.00 - $65.00/ hour
• This role is based in Mountain View, CA. Must be local, no relocation.
• Immediate availability is required. The selected candidate is expected to start promptly upon offer acceptance and pending successful completion of a standard background check and drug screening
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future
• We do not accept C2C (Corp-to-Corp), 1099, or third-party agency submissions for this position