Project Quality and ALM Manager

Our Mission:
Driving technology always feels old. Not by a little bit. We believe vehicles can be a thousand times smarter, safer, and more connected to the world around us, and our mission is to see it happen. In 2019, we joined forces with Honda as their first startup acquisition, and now we’re expanding our vision into building the future of electric vehicles (BEV) for millions of people around the world.

Why Drivemode:
Join Drivemode for an exciting startup environment and a vibrant culture that combines impactful work, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. By becoming a part of our team, you'll contribute to a crucial mission that revolutionizes the way people engage with vehicles, addressing both business needs and the world's environmental challenges. This presents an exceptional opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and drive Honda's success in the EV market.

About the Role:
At Drivemode we’re looking for a process driven individual to help us strengthen the maturity of our Software development lifecycle. Your core duties include developing and deploying the QMS, defining and owning the overall quality strategy for software development in alignment with Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) requirements., leading quality planning, and ensuring stringent adherence to industry standards, most critically Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) and ISO/SAE 21434 (Cybersecurity), as well as IATF 16949 and ISO 9001. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping how world-class automotive software is built at Drivemode, turning rigorous standards into scalable, real-world quality that directly powers our products on the road.

What You Will Do:
• Develop, deploy and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) aligned to industry standards (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 / ASPICE / ISO 21434) and customer-specific requirements.
• Ensure adherence to industry standards: Automotive SPICE (ASPICE), Cybersecurity ISO 21434, assessing system and software development processes.
• Create the QA strategy; execute, track and report QA activities across the lifecycle.
• Lead quality planning activities during concept, development, and industrialization phases.
• Define and manage the project quality plan aligned with customer and internal requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency.
• Provide mentorship to uphold best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct project quality reviews and report project quality status to management.
• Support audits (e.g., customer, internal, and supplier) ensure readiness and close NCs on time.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and report on quality metrics to senior management.
• Coordinate with design, engineering and testing teams to ensure process robustness and defect prevention.
• Collaborate with design, engineering and test teams to resolve quality-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Coach 8D; ensure containment, corrective & preventive actions and effectiveness verification.

What We Are Looking For:
• 5+ years in the automotive industry: at least 3+ years of experience in quality assurance on projects.
• Strong working knowledge of ASPICE, ISO 21434, IATF 16949, ISO 9001.
• Successfully rolled out a complete QMS or a major release of a QMS.
• Hands-on with A-SPICE assessments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with diverse teams.
• Proficiency with quality management systems
• Experience with an ALM tool (JAMA, Polarion, DOORS, Helix ALM, Codebeamer).

Nice to Have:
• Certified A-SPICE provisional /competent assessor or assessment experience.
• Knowledge of process validation techniques in an automotive setting.
• Familiarity with VDA 6.3 audit methodology and supplier quality management processes.
• Strong project management skills with experience in cross-functional team leadership.
• Business level Japanese skills.

EEOC Statement
Drivemode is proud of a very diverse team with employees coming from 5 continents/16 countries as of today. Diversity in our workplace has played an important part in our success; we recognize each employee’s unique background, knowledge, experiences, ideas, and viewpoints which are all critical in developing a product that has the greatest impacts on drivers all over the world.
Drivemode provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristics that make you unique.