Vice President of Engineering

Responsive recruiter

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

Who We Are:
Redefining mobility since 1987
Leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Nationwide family-owned & operated headquartered in Battle Creek MI

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Freedom Motors USA is a nationwide family-owned and operated company headquartered in Battle Creek MI and the leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles with the widest-ranging product line in the United States. Founded in 1987 we focus on providing customized options for the unique needs of our customers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Were hiring a Vice President of Engineering to lead the team that designs validates and continuously improves our vehicle conversions. This is a hands-on leadership role at a company small enough that youll know every product intimately and established enough that your decisions carry real weight across the business. Youll own the full engineering function: new conversion platform development from concept through crash validation and launch sustaining engineering on our current lineup and the design-for-manufacturability work that keeps our production floor efficient. Youll also be the technical voice in the room when we decide which OEM platforms to take on next.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop lead mentor and grow the engineering team in disciplines related to design electrical testing and manufacturing.
• Oversee the product development process end to end from concept and CAD through prototype validation testing and production launch.
• Serve as the companys technical authority on regulatory compliance including applicable FMVSS requirements NHTSA standards emissions regulations and more.
• Responsible for our crash testing and structural validation programs in coordination with outside vendors as needed.
• Partner with Production team to improve manufacturability reduce conversion time and lower rework costs without compromising safety or quality.
• Evaluate new OEM base vehicles and advise leadership on feasibility cost and timeline for bringing new conversions to market.
• Oversee the engineering teams documentation drawing control BOMs and change management.
• Work with the Quality team on root cause analysis corrective actions and field issue resolution.
• Support Sales and Service with technical expertise on custom and commercial builds.
• Set the engineering budget capital plan and hiring roadmap.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Automotive Manufacturing or a related engineering discipline.
• 10 years of engineering experience in automotive vehicle modification upfitter commercial vehicle or a related manufacturing environment.
• 5 years leading engineering teams with a track record of developing and growing talent. Previous experience as a Director or Head of Engineering is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience taking a physical product from concept through validation and into production.
• Working knowledge of FMVSS and the compliance obligations that apply to vehicle modifiers or second-stage manufacturers.
• Familiarity with crash testing structural analysis and validation processes.
• Strong command of 3D CAD (SolidWorks CATIA or similar) and structural analysis fundamentals.
• Experience with DFMEA PPAP GD&T and formal design review processes.
• Ability to move between the conference room and the shop floor as this role requires being present where the vehicles are.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

This job description is meant to provide an overview of the duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing.

About Freedom Motors USA

Freedom Motors USA is a family-owned and operated company headquartered in Battle Creek MI and the leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles with the widest-ranging product line in the United States. Founded in 1987 we focus on providing customized options for the unique needs of our customers.

Who We Are:

Redefining mobility since 1987.

Leading manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Nationwide family-owned & operated headquartered in Battle Creek MI.

Required Experience:

Exec