Manager Test Automation Engineer with AI

HARMAN’s engineers and designers are creative, purposeful and agile. As part of this team, you’ll combine your technical expertise with innovative ideas to help drive cutting-edge solutions in the car, enterprise and connected ecosystem. Every day, you will push the boundaries of creative design, and HARMAN is committed to providing you with the opportunities, innovative technologies and resources to build a successful career.

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do everyday.

A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience

• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence

• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role

New opportunity within our large Engineering organization for a Manager Test Automation as part of a new opening position in Connectivity Test Center. This role will be part of a new team based in Bucharest which will work closely with the wider team. This is a newly formed team. Our goal is to build out our Connectivity Test Coordinating team operating from our strategic site in Bucharest providing experienced and dynamic team members to support multiple roles across our portfolio of global projects. This is an extremely exciting time to get involved, to help develop and shape innovative technology and drive change throughout the organization.

What You Will Do

• Line management responsibility for all assigned Harman Test Automation Engineers at the Bucharest location, including performance, career development, and resource planning.

• Functional management of external test and automation contractors, ensuring alignment to quality, automation, and delivery standards.

• Ownership of test automation strategy and execution for Telematics Control Unit (TCU) validation across Connectivity Test Center domains.

Responsibility for end-to-end validation of telematics systems, including:

• Vehicle-side TCU functionality (e.g., connectivity, OTA, diagnostics)

• Backend/cloud integration and mobile application interfaces

Steering and planning of automation activities, including:

• Resource allocation (people, test benches, HIL, tools)

• Automation coverage and roadmap

• Lab and vehicle validation capacity

• Definition and implementation of scalable automation frameworks and test strategies aligned with continuous testing and CI/CD practices

• Monitoring plans, timelines, and milestones for all cluster deliverables, ensuring alignment with vehicle program gates and release cycles.

Tracking and reporting of KPIs, including:

• Automation coverage

• Defect detection efficiency

• Test execution stability and cycle time

Driving automation innovation, including:

• AI-assisted testing approaches

• Test data management and analytics

• Optimization of regression and OTA validation cycles

• Ensuring compliance with automotive quality standards (ASPICE, ISO 26262, IATF16949) and process adherence across all testing activities.

Leading team development and performance management, including:

• Coaching and mentoring

• Skill development in automation and telematics domain

• Building a high-performing and motivated team culture

Collaboration with global stakeholders, including:

• Development teams, system engineering, and validation teams

• Suppliers and external partners for TCU integration and validation activities

• Acting as the main interface for automation and validation topics within the Connectivity Test Center and external organizations.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics, or equivalent experience.

• Proven leadership experience (5+ years) managing test automation teams, including line management responsibilities.

• Strong expertise in test automation methodologies, frameworks, and CI/CD integration.

• Solid experience in embedded systems and automotive testing, with focus on:

• Telematics Control Units (TCU)

• Connected vehicle systems

• End-to-end validation (vehicle, backend, mobile)

• Test Automation

• Hands-on understanding of:

• Automotive communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, MQTT)

• Connectivity technologies (Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

• Experience working with distributed and cross-functional teams in global environments.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including defect analysis and root cause identification.

• High sense of ownership, ability to work under pressure, and deliver against tight timelines.

• Business fluent in English.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Strong knowledge of automotive telematics and connectivity systems.

• Experience with test automation in TCU/IoT environments, including:

• OTA validation

• Backend/cloud integration testing

• HIL / test bench environments

• Familiarity with tools such as: CANoe, CANalyzer, JIRA, ALM

• Python-based automation frameworks

• Experience introducing automation strategy at scale (coverage, framework standardization).

• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.

• Ability to manage complex and high-pressure delivery situations.

• Excellent decision-making and prioritization capabilities.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel (0–20%), domestic and international depending on project needs.

• Willingness to work from the office environment (Bucharest).

• Fluent in commercial and technical English.

• Strong ownership mindset and ability to deliver under demanding conditions.

What We Offer

• Work in international teams with the world’s largest automotive manufacturers

• Use HARMAN Flex – choose the right working model fitting their job (Hybrid or Office)

• Access career development opportunities and get both on the job training on high-end automotive projects, as well as extensive technical trainings.

• Access HARMAN Web shop with large employee discounts for audio products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG

• Are encouraged to a healthy work/life balance with a progressive holiday plan based on total work experience, 2 sick days, 3 days off compensation for weekend legal holidays and flextime.

• And of course, enjoy meal tickets, a premium medical subscription, fitness discounts and other corporate perks.

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HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.