Automotive Software Product Manager (f/d/m)

Description

The team sets the software strategy for the automotive end-node portfolio, which covers the S32K1, MagniV and Remote End-Nodes microcontroller products.

The role sits within the Automotive Processing and Systems business line, in the End-Nodes segment. That segment focuses on real-time control and functional safety for essential vehicle functions, and helps customers move toward safe software-defined vehicle architectures.

You will work with a large global software R&D organization and act as the business and product voice for it.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the software product and tools strategy for the end-node microcontroller portfolio.
• Own the software lifecycle from concept and investment planning through development, launch, maintenance, ecosystem enablement and long-term support.
• Gather software and tooling needs from end-node customers, both Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.
• Turn OEM, Tier 1, ecosystem and market requirements into clear product requirements, priorities and release plans.
• Build and keep current the software strategy, roadmap and business priorities across internal software, third-party software, ecosystem enablement and development tools.
• Manage the end-node software backlog and feature priorities across ARTs, and take part in PI planning with SW APMs and Agile teams.
• Oversee lifecycle management for S32K1, MagniV and the next generation of remote end-node products, including end-of-life planning.
• Guide R&D on priorities, investment trade-offs, release timing and scope so they match business value, customer commitments and technical feasibility.
• Define and develop the tools strategy for end-node software, covering development, evaluation and customer adoption, with applications, systems, enablement and R&D teams.
• Shape the ecosystem strategy, including third-party partnership models, partner roadmaps, licensing and make-or-partner decisions.
• Present the software portfolio in customer meetings and strategic account reviews, and turn feedback into product direction.
• Drive early software input during design-in to influence customer requirements and system architectures.
• Assess competitors, ecosystem capabilities and adjacent markets, including robotics, and build differentiation plans.
• Support business planning for software, including value proposition, go-to-market approach and monetization options.
• Write product communication for internal teams, sales, field teams and customers, covering roadmap narratives, positioning, requirement summaries and executive updates.
• Coach field teams on the software value proposition, manage customer expectations against the roadmap, and separate requirements that are critical to winning business from those that are desirable.

Requirements

• Typically 10+ years of experience in embedded software, automotive software, semiconductor product management, software product management or a closely related field.
• A bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, embedded systems, automotive engineering or a related field. Equivalent practical experience is also valued.
• Solid understanding of automotive embedded software, software lifecycle management, development tools and customer enablement for microcontroller products.
• Experience working with global R&D organizations and giving structured product guidance, prioritization and business context to large engineering teams.
• Proven ability to build product roadmaps, business cases and executive recommendations from customer needs, market insight and technical constraints.
• Commercial awareness of software value, monetization, customer support models, maintenance obligations and investment trade-offs across a product portfolio.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, for working with engineers, business leaders, sales, partners and customers.
• A structured, pragmatic approach that brings clarity to complex software, ecosystem and business decisions under ambiguity.
• Fluent English. German or other languages are welcome but not required.
• Optional: knowledge of automotive MCU applications such as body electronics, end-node control, sensor and actuator interfaces, zonal architectures or software-defined vehicle platforms is beneficial.
• Optional: familiarity with S32K, MagniV, in-vehicle networking, remote end-node concepts, Autosar and/or OPEN Alliance technologies is an advantage.
• Highly desirable: experience with software partner management, licensing models, ecosystem development or third-party software collaboration.
• Occasional travel to meet customers, partners and global NXP teams.

Conditions

Occasional travel is required.

You do not need to meet every listed qualification to apply.

The company is committed to sustainability and to an inclusive workplace free from racism, discrimination and harassment. It runs diversity, inclusion and equality programs.