Director of Engineering

Freedom Motors USA; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Freedom Motors USA, Inc. in Battle Creek, MI, is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the team that designs, validates, and improves wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions.

This hands-on leadership role will own the full engineering function from new platform concepts through crash validation and launch, sustaining current lineup, and design-for-manufacturability. You'll be the technical voice in decisions on OEM platforms and coordinate with Production, Quality, and Sales to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years engineering experience in automotive or related manufacturing.
• 5+ years leading engineering teams; Director/Head of Engineering experience is a plus.
• Experience taking a product from concept through validation to production.
• Knowledge of FMVSS compliance for vehicle modifiers or second-stage manufacturers.
• Familiarity with crash testing, structural analysis and validation.
• Strong CAD and structural analysis fundamentals.
• Experience with DFMEA, PPAP, GD&T, and formal design reviews.
• Able to move between conference room and shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, mentor, and grow the engineering team across design, electrical, testing, and manufacturing.
• Oversee end-to-end product development from concept and CAD to prototype, validation, and production launch.
• Serve as the technical authority on regulatory compliance including FMVSS and NHTSA standards.
• Lead crash testing and structural validation programs with external vendors as needed.
• Partner with Production to improve manufacturability and reduce conversion time while maintaining safety and quality.
• Evaluate new OEM base vehicles and advise on feasibility, cost, and timelines for new conversions.
• Oversee engineering documentation, drawings, BOMs, and change management.
• Collaborate with Quality on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support Sales and Service with technical expertise on custom and commercial builds.
• Set engineering budget, capital plan, and hiring roadmap.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Talent development

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing knowledge

FMVSS knowledge

Shop floor presence

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Automotive/Manufacturing

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

FEM software

GD&T tools

PPAP

Job description

About Freedom Motors USA

Founded in 1987, Freedom Motors USA is a family-owned manufacturer and retailer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan. We provide customized mobility solutions that promote independence and freedom.

Redefining Mobility Since 1987 — Innovating solutions that open doors to greater freedom and more independence.

Industry-Leading Accessibility — Building the widest range of wheelchair accessible vehicles and changing lives.

Family-Owned, Nationwide Reach — Proudly delivering to driveways across the country from our headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan.

We're hiring a Directorof 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 you'll know every product intimately, and established enough that your decisions carry real weight across the business. You'll 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. You'll 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 company's 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 team’s 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:

• Bachelor's 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.