Engineering VP — Mobility Vehicle Systems

Freedom Motors USA, Inc.; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Freedom Motors USA in Battle Creek, MI is hiring a Vice President of Engineering to lead the team that designs, validates, and continuously improves our wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions. This is a hands-on leadership role with broad influence on product strategy and manufacturing efficiency.

You will own the full engineering function from concept through crash validation and launch, set budgets and hiring plans, and act as the technical voice on OEM choices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Manufacturing, or related engineering.
• 10+ years engineering experience in automotive, vehicle modification, upfitter, commercial vehicle, or 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

3D CAD

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

FMVSS knowledge

Crash testing

Structural analysis

DFMEA

PPAP

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Freedom Motors USA in Battle Creek, MI is hiring a Vice President of Engineering to lead the team that designs, validates, and continuously improves our wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions. This is a hands-on leadership role with broad influence on product strategy and manufacturing efficiency.

You will own the full engineering function from concept through crash validation and launch, set budgets and hiring plans, and act as the technical voice on OEM choices.