Director, Software Programs

About the role

The Director, Software Programs role is accountable for defining, leading, and scaling the software program management function that ensures complex, cross-domain vehicle software is delivered with the right scope, quality, timing, and integration across Lucid’s vehicle portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Own the Software Programs function within Technical Programs, covering all software domains, including Infotainment, Controls, Connectivity & Cloud, Mobile, Cybersecurity and Release Management.
• Build, lead, and continuously evolve a high-performing organization of software program leaders and TPMs, aligned to Lucid’s vehicle roadmap and software architecture.
• Define and mature the software program management operating model, including roles, responsibilities, escalation paths, and interfaces with Software Engineering and Vehicle Programs.
• Establish improved methods for capacity planning, prioritization, and resource balancing across vehicle lines and software domains.
• Drive alignment on software scope, sequencing, and release content, ensuring commitments meet vehicle milestones and quality expectations.
• Represent Software Programs in executive reviews, program governance forums, and cross-functional decision-making.
• Work closely with the Software Integration TPMs to provide a holistic, cross-vehicle view of software delivery, ensuring alignment across all Lucid vehicle programs and external customer programs.
• Own software program health, risk management, and delivery readiness, ensuring early identification of gaps and decisive mitigation.
• Partner closely with the VP of Software to align software development strategy, roadmaps, and execution capacity with vehicle program needs.
• Form a tight execution triangle with: Director, Software Programs (this role), VP, Software and Sr. Manager, Software Integration to ensure seamless flow from feature definition → development → integration → vehicle release.
• Work in deep partnership with the SW Integration team (within Product & Technology Integration) to ensure vehicle-level software integration, release readiness, and risk management are fully aligned with software program plans.
• Challenge assumptions and drive fact-based trade discussions when gaps exist between desired scope and delivery reality.
• Define and standardize software program metrics, dashboards, and reporting for schedule, scope, risk, and readiness.
• Continuously improve tools, processes, and governance used across Software Programs and SW Integration.
• Foster a culture of clarity, accountability, technical rigor, and one-team collaboration across organizations.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience leading complex software programs in automotive, embedded systems, or similarly scaled, safety-critical environments.
• Proven experience building and leading senior program management organizations across multiple product lines.
• Strong understanding of vehicle software architectures, cross-domain dependencies, and software release lifecycles.
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with executive engineering leadership and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Track record of driving delivery in environments with high ambiguity, competing priorities, and aggressive timelines.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly frame tradeoffs, risks, and recommendations for executive audiences.
• Direct experience with vehicle software integration and release management.
• Experience operating at the intersection of Product, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering and Vehicle Integration.
• Background in scaling program management practices for rapidly evolving software platforms.
• Experience with common program and software tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, MS Office).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Skills

• Software Program Management
• Vehicle Software Integration
• Release Management
• Collaboration Across Teams
• Risk Management
• Agile Methodologies
• Scalable Program Management Practices

Benefits

• Base Pay Range: $261,500 - $383,570 USD
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Discretionary annual cash incentive program.

Pay

• Base Pay Range: $261,500 - $383,570 USD

Schedule

• Not specified