Release Test Manager – Customer Integration

Join a high-performing team at Sonatus that's redefining what cars can do in the era of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV).

At Sonatus, we're driving the transformation to AI-enabled software-defined vehicles. Traditional automotive software methods can't keep pace with consumer expectations shaped by the mobile industry—where features evolve rapidly, update seamlessly, and improve continuously. That's why leading OEMs trust Sonatus to accelerate this shift. Our technology is already in production across more than 5 million vehicles on the road today and rapidly expanding.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, with 250+ employees worldwide, Sonatus combines the agility of a fast-growing company with the scale and impact of an established partner. Backed by strong funding and proven by global deployment, we're solving some of the most interesting and complex challenges in the industry. Join us and help redefine what's possible as we shape the future of mobility.

Are you a detail-oriented and highly skilled QA professional who thrives in dynamic release environments? We are looking for a QA Manager to lead the end-to-end release validation and certification of our embedded and cloud-connected platform products, which are shipped in high volumes to OEM customers worldwide.

In this role, you'll combine deep technical expertise with leadership responsibility to ensure every release meets our rigorous OEM quality, reliability, and compliance standards. You'll work hands-on in integration and automation while overseeing a small team of QA engineers responsible for system-level testing and validation. This hybrid technical and leadership role (approx distribution : 80% hands-on / 20% management).

Your efforts will directly influence customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and contractual compliance.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the end-to-end release readiness process for SDV platform and embedded products shipped to OEMs — encompassing validation, packaging, documentation, and customer coordination.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute system-level integration and release testing across multiple platforms and projects.
• Develop and execute detailed test plans using a combination of automation and manual testing.
• Triage integration issues, replicate problems, and assist in identifying root causes and solutions.
• Escalate potential issues (Software, Hardware, Resources) to the Project Manager/Executive team.
• Analyze root causes of critical issues found in pre- and post-release stages and ensure timely resolution and preventive actions.
• Define and maintain release quality gates and readiness criteria aligned with automotive-grade standards (e.g., reliability, safety, performance).
• Act as the final quality gatekeeper — providing release sign-off and communicating risk, defect status, and readiness to leadership and OEM stakeholders.
• Develop, execute, and maintain automated validation suites to ensure consistency, repeatability, and high test coverage for each release cycle.
• Lead and mentor a small team of QA engineers, driving accountability and continuous improvement in release quality and test methodology.
• Monitor and report various release metrics to leadership and OEM partners

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (MS preferred) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in QA release engineering, or system integration testing for automotive or embedded platforms.
• 4+ years of experience in people management.
• Proven experience supporting OEM or Tier-1 deliveries in the automotive domain, including release packaging, validation, and documentation.
• Hands-on experience in test automation and scripting (Python, Shell, or similar).
• Solid understanding of Linux systems, networking fundamentals, and system-level debugging.
• Familiarity with containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and testing of microservices-based systems.
• Strong background in system integration testing, E2E validation, and release certification processes.
• Exposure to vehicle networking protocols (UDS, CAN, Ethernet) and validation tools such as Vector CANoe, VehicleSpy, PEAK, Spirent, or IXIA.
• Proficiency with test management and tracking tools such as Jira, TestRail, Jama, etc.
• Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills — capable of managing competing priorities across teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example, balancing hands-on technical work with mentoring and coordination.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures, cloud-connected ECUs, or zonal gateway validation.
• Familiarity with functional safety (ISO or cybersecurity (ISO/SAE validation frameworks.
• Understanding of OTA update validation, vehicle data pipelines, and E2E cloud-to-vehicle testing.
• Experience with OEM release audits, packaging, or customer handoff processes.
• Background in Agile/Scrum environments within automotive software programs.

Sonatus is a fast-paced and innovative company and are seeking team members who are passionate about making a difference. If you are ready to take your career to the next level, we highly encourage you to apply.
 
To all recruitment agencies: Sonatus, Inc. ("Sonatus") does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Sonatus' employees. Sonatus is not responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited activities.

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