Product Line Director

Product Director — Motion / Power Access

Where Every Journey Starts with Access

Career Opportunity: Product Director — Motion / Power Access

Location: Auburn Hills, MI or Milwaukee, WI (Headquarters)| Full-Time | Professional

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, STRATTEC Security Corporation is one of the world's largest producers of automotive access and security systems. For over 100 years, we've been engineering the complete vehicle access experience—from the moment a driver approaches their vehicle to the confident close of every door.

We don't just make parts—we create the first and last touchpoint of every journey.

Our Motion / Power Access division simplifies the design and integration of powered-entry systems for OEMs worldwide. We are a recognized industry leader with 25+ years of first-to-market innovations and multiple PACE Award-winning technologies.

Our Power Access Portfolio:

• POWER SLIDING DOORS (PSD) — First supplier to launch (1993); featured on Kia Sedona, Chrysler Pacifica
• POWER LIFTGATES (PLG) — Invis-A-Rise™ technology (2018 PACE Award Winner); featured on Honda Odyssey
• POWER ENDGATES (PEG) — Invis-A-Rise™ series (2019 PACE Award Winner); featured on GM Silverado
• POWER DECKLIDS (PDL) — Hands-free cargo access; featured on Cadillac CT6
• AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ACCESS — Next-generation solutions for self-driving vehicles

Key Differentiators:

• Full-System Supplier — Motor, hardware, software, and ECU engineered as one integrated system
• Invis-A-Rise™ Technology — Patented concealed systems creating clean, elegant vehicle aesthetics
• Modular Architecture — Flexible designs that accelerate OEM development timelines
• In-House Software Capability — Model-based design for virtual verification and faster development

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary Product Director to lead our Motion / Power Access product line located in Auburn Hills Michigan. You will own the strategic direction, new product development, market positioning, and pricing strategy for our award-winning power access systems—shaping the future of vehicle motion and powered-entry experiences. This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of innovation, technology, and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (Own & Drive):

• Lead new product development roadmap for Power Access systems
• Define and execute product strategy for powered-entry solutions across OEM segments
• Monitor competitive landscape and position Strattec's Power Access as the industry leader
• Develop and own pricing strategies; conduct portfolio performance reviews
• Drive innovation pipeline for next-generation motion technologies

Product Portfolio Management:

• Own Power Access product roadmaps aligned with OEM platform timelines
• Develop 5-year margin roadmaps and product family financial forecasts
• Drive portfolio decisions: invest/grow, reposition, harvest, or exit strategies
• Define strategy for Software (SaaP) and Hardware product platforms
• Champion Invis-A-Rise™ and other patented technologies to expand market share

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Engineering on integrated motor/hardware/software system development
• Support Sales Directors in business development and pipeline management
• Collaborate on quote processes, costing, and business case development for new business opportunities
• Work with Operations on manufacturing footprint and capacity planning
• Support program management through 4-phase development (Design, Develop, Validate, Launch)

Strategic Planning Support:

• Contribute to annual budgets and 5-year strategic plans
• Support organic and inorganic (M&A) growth objectives
• Drive quarterly product reviews and strategy progress reporting

What You'll Bring

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business, or related field (required)
• MBA or Master's degree in Engineering (preferred)

Experience:

• 10+ years in product management, product development, or systems engineering
• 5+ years in automotive closure systems, power access, or mechatronic systems (strongly preferred)
• Proven track record leading new product development from concept through launch
• Experience with integrated systems (motors, actuators, ECUs, software controls)
• OEM program management experience with major automotive manufacturers

Technical Knowledge:

• Power access systems: sliding doors, liftgates, endgates, decklids
• Mechatronic integration (motors, sensors, ECUs, embedded software)
• Vehicle architecture trends: EVs, autonomous vehicles, software-defined vehicles
• APQP, DVP&R, and automotive quality standards (IATF 16949)

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic vision with ability to translate market trends into product opportunities
• Financial acumen (margin analysis, business cases, pricing strategies, P&L ownership)
• Strong technical aptitude to engage with engineering teams on system design
• Executive presence and ability to present to OEM customers and leadership
• Cross-functional influence without direct authority

Why This Role?

• Lead a PACE Award-winning product line with proven first-to-market innovations
• Shape the future of vehicle motion for EVs and autonomous vehicles
• Work with global OEMs including GM, Honda, Chrysler, Kia, Jeep, Cadillac, Lincoln
• Drive next-generation Invis-A-Rise™ technology development
• Own a strategic product portfolio with high growth potential

Why Strattec?

Our Culture Pillars:

• THINK NEW — Innovation fuels our access engine. We challenge the status quo.
• DO TOGETHER — Collaboration is key. We build trust through shared goals.
• OWN IT — Results matter. Act with intention and deliver on commitments.

Total Rewards:

• Competitive compensation with short-term incentive plan
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision) — Day 1 eligibility
• 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% with immediate vesting
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick, bereavement)
• Life insurance and wellness programs
• Professional development and growth opportunities

Apply Today

Ready to lead the future of powered vehicle access? Join a team where your ideas shape industry-leading innovations.