Automotive Projectmanager // Customer Programs & OEM Development

Drive the future of solar mobility with the automotive industry

At Lightyear, we are developing solar technology that enables electric vehicles to charge directly from the sun. Together with leading automotive OEMs, we transform innovative concepts into real-world vehicle applications.

Our customer projects start as proof-of-concept and prototype programs but are designed with one goal in mind: scaling towards production and long-term industrial partnerships. As our Automotive Projectmanager, you will play a pivotal role in guiding these programs from concept validation to industrial implementation.

Please note: This is not a general Projectmanager position. We are specifically looking for an experienced Automotive Projectmanager with a proven track record in automotive product development and customer programs involving OEMs and/or Tier-1 suppliers.

What will you do as a Projectmanager at Lightyear?

As Automotive Projectmanager, you will lead customer development programs with international automotive OEMs. You will be responsible for translating commercial opportunities into successful engineering projects while balancing customer expectations, technical feasibility and business priorities.

You will work at the intersection of Sales, Engineering and our automotive customers, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and according to automotive quality standards.

As projects mature, you will help transition successful proof-of-concepts into industrial development programs and long-term customer partnerships.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading customer-facing projects end-to-end, shaping scope, deliverables, planning, and execution in close collaboration with both the customer and internal stakeholders.
• Acting as the key bridge between OEMs, Sales, and Engineering, balancing customer expectations, technical realities, and business priorities.
• Driving progress across cross-functional teams in a fast-moving environment with limited resources.
• Building trusted relationships at all levels, from hands-on engineers to senior customer executives, ensuring alignment, transparency, and commitment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Owning budgets, timelines, and risk management by identifying obstacles early and solving them pragmatically before they become issues.
• Supporting commercial discussions when needed, managing agreements, change requests, and long-term partnerships with confidence and professionalism.
• Helping mature our project delivery approach as Lightyear scales from innovation projects to customer programs with real volume and impact.
• Continuously improving how we execute, collaborate, and deliver, learning fast and getting better with every project.

At the end of the day, success means more than delivering a technical milestone; it means building relationships that lead to long-term collaborations, together with a happy customer, a motivated team, and momentum for what comes next.

What makes you successful?

You are someone who:

• Thrives in complex automotive development environments.
• Understands both engineering and commercial priorities.
• Is pragmatic and solution-oriented.
• Remains calm under pressure and enjoys solving challenging problems.
• Can switch effortlessly between strategic discussions and day-to-day execution.
• Builds trust quickly with customers and internal teams.
• Enjoys working in a dynamic scale-up where priorities can change rapidly.

The kind of Project Manager we are looking for

We are specifically looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of Project or Program Management experience within the automotive industry.
• Proven experience working directly with automotive OEMs and/or Tier-1 suppliers.
• Experience managing automotive product development programs from concept through prototype and validation.
• Strong knowledge of automotive development processes including APQP, IATF 16949, Engineering Change Management, program milestones, and launch readiness.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware development projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Experience with sustainable mobility, EV technologies, or solar technology is considered a strong advantage.

You will be expected to work from the Netherlands and should be willing to relocate if not already based here.

Occasional travel within Europe to customer locations is part of the role.

What can you expect from Lightyear?

• The opportunity to work with leading automotive manufacturers on breakthrough technology.
• A key position in one of Europe's most innovative clean mobility companies.
• High levels of ownership and autonomy.
• A multidisciplinary team of highly talented engineers and professionals.
• Excellent pension scheme.
• 40 vacation days based on a full-time contract.
• Personal development opportunities and room to grow with the company.
• The opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable mobility.

Why join us?

• Be part of a small and driven team at a technology start-up with a strong focus on sustainability.
• Engage in a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation, independent thinking, and close cooperation.
• Opportunity to grow with the company as we accelerate and expand our impact in clean mobility.