Quality assurance and test, vehicle electronics

Context

Five-year quality assurance project for Volkswagen AG in vehicle electronics, delivered by Capgemini Engineering. The scope was complete test and defect coordination for three safety-relevant ECU modules on the MEB platform: SAM, the signal acquisition module; Kessy, the keyless access system; and central locking. Fixed-price contract with a total value of just under €6 million, invoiced monthly against approved work packages.

Initial situation

The project required simultaneous steering of defect analysis, test planning and test execution across multiple software delivery stages, in compliance with strict Volkswagen-internal standards under ISO-9001 and EN-9100 as well as binding regulatory requirements under the EPA/CARB consent decree. Complexity was further increased by a multi-layered project structure with several technical project leads, specialised engineering teams per workstream and direct interfaces to Volkswagen's external suppliers.

My role

From 2023 I took on the Engagement Manager role with overall responsibility for a project structure of around 40 contributors, consisting of several technical project leads, specialised engineering teams per module and coordinated interfaces to suppliers outside Volkswagen. I was responsible for governance, budget, contractual compliance, risk and change management, resource steering and direct client communication with Volkswagen AG. My legal background contributed directly to sound contract design and to meeting the EPA/CARB compliance obligations.

Approach

Structured project management under Capgemini UPM standards, based on ISO-9001:2015 and EN-9100:2018. A clear governance structure was built across all workstreams: regular alignment with technical project leads, escalation management towards Volkswagen, coordinated supplier management for external Volkswagen suppliers, and proactive defect and risk management through the KPM ticket system. Active change control management preserved the fixed-price structure throughout the project.

Outcome

Successful delivery over five years with around 40 project contributors and continuous delivery capability across all software milestones. Full coverage of approximately 15,000 requirements. All regulatory obligations towards EPA and CARB fulfilled. Contractually compliant completion on the agreed date, within the fixed-price envelope of just under €6 million.