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Applus IDIADA

Automotive design, engineering, testing, homologation services

Project Manager

Full-TimePosted on 9/29/2026
$120k - $160k/yr
Senior
Bachelor's, Master's
Corona, CA, USA
In PersonTravel across the United States up to 30–40% of the time may be required.
Project & Program ManagementProject Management

About the job

Requirements
  • A minimum of 7 years of project management experience, preferably in automotive, technology, or field operations environments.
  • At least 5 years of experience in field operations management, public road durability testing, or automotive testing programs.
  • Demonstrated experience with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems or autonomous vehicle testing projects.
  • Proven experience managing multi-site operations with distributed teams across multiple geographic locations.
  • Strong budget management and financial oversight experience, including profit and loss responsibility.
  • Experience managing large teams of 20 or more people with diverse skill sets and responsibilities.
  • Familiarity with safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and risk management in automotive or testing environments.
  • A valid United States driver's license is required.
  • Willingness to travel across the United States up to 30–40% of the time.
  • Exceptional leadership and people-management skills, including the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
  • Experience presenting to senior leadership.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to make decisions under pressure.
  • Technical aptitude to understand and communicate complex autonomous vehicle systems concepts.
  • Excellent stakeholder-management skills and the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
  • Strong organizational and time-management capabilities with attention to detail.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and achieve project objectives.
  • Ability to work effectively across different departments and organizations.
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
  • Physical ability to support test preparation and execution in an outdoor environment.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, extended hours, and weekends.
  • Ability to meet workplace health and safety requirements and practices.
  • Ability to sit, stand, and work for extended periods in an office setting.
Responsibilities
  • Lead a large-scale autonomous vehicle testing program across multiple locations in the United States.
  • Oversee comprehensive field operational test activities involving a substantial fleet of test vehicles equipped with advanced sensor systems for data collection.
  • Manage multi-site operations, including team coordination, vehicle fleet management, route planning, safety compliance, and client relationship management.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for client communications.
  • Ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget.
  • Maintain high standards of safety and quality.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with international teams and clients.
  • A master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
  • Project Management Professional certification or equivalent.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification or similar process-improvement credentials.

About the company

Applus+ IDIADA provides design, engineering, testing, and homologation services to the automotive industry, supporting the full vehicle development cycle. It uses CAD/CAE design, engineering validation, and comprehensive testing, with access to its proving grounds in Spain and China for real-world evaluation, and offers homologation services aligned with EC/ECE regulations and other international standards. The company differentiates itself with a large pool of experienced engineers, extensive testing facilities, and a global network across 24 countries, enabling customized, end-to-end development and regulatory compliance. Its goal is to help automotive clients bring safe, compliant, and well-validated vehicles to market efficiently through integrated development, testing, and certification capabilities.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Santa Oliva, Spain

Founded

1971

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The 17/09/2026 Euro 7 launch targets immediate demand from automakers facing new compliance deadlines.
  • ADIADA's 22/04/2026 AI-for-CAE cuts computation from days to seconds, improving customer productivity.
  • Expanded ADAS/CAV capacity and GB Type Approval designation broaden near-term serviceable markets.

What critics are saying

  • Applus paid €428 million for 80% in 2024, lifting leverage and execution pressure.
  • Generalitat keeps 20% and collects €4 million annually plus 2% EBITDA.
  • Revenue concentration in regulatory testing ties results to OEM program wins and EU rule changes.

What makes Applus IDIADA unique

  • Applus+ IDIADA launched Euro 7 testing and homologation services on 17/09/2026.
  • Its Spain Proving Ground added a fourth ADAS/CAV track after 2025 expansion.
  • IDIADA combines testing, homologation, and AI-for-CAE workflows across EV, hybrid, and combustion.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Employee Discounts
  • Training Programs
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Hybrid Work Options
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development Budget

Company News

Bolsamania
Aug 27th, 2024
Applus secures €500M for Idiada acquisition

Applus' Extraordinary General Meeting approved a credit of up to €500 million to finance the acquisition of 80% of Idiada Automotive Technology, as reported to the CNMV. The operation involves an intragroup credit between Amber FinCo and Applus. Additionally, a €200 million intragroup credit was approved to access Amber FinCo's revolving credit line for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Expansión
Jun 25th, 2024
Applus Secures IDIADA After TÜV Exit

Title: "Applus Bids Alone for Idiada After TÜV Rheinland Withdraws" Content: The German group TÜV Rheinland did not submit an offer for the 80% stake in the company managing the automotive technology center. This leaves Applus free to retain Idiada Automotive Technology, which operates the testing circuit and technology center in Santa Oliva (Tarragona) owned by the Generalitat de Catalunya.

INACTIVE