Senior Vehicle Engineer

Relate Search; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus (not guaranteed)

Job summary

Relate Search is seeking a Senior Vehicle Engineer in Augusta, GA, to own high‑level vehicle systems or an entire vehicle through concept to production. You will work with product management, manufacturing, operations, and suppliers to turn market requirements into validated, production-ready solutions.

The role requires hands‑on mechanical design experience across a full product development lifecycle, with strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and DFMEA/APQP practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology required.
• 7+ years engineering experience preferred for senior level with independent work ability.
• Hands-on mechanical design experience across a full product lifecycle.
• Experience with polymeric and metal manufacturing processes (injection molding, metal forming).

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle system and component development from concept to production.
• Translate market requirements into specifications with design reviews and APQP processes.
• Own engineering deliverables including CAD releases, BOMs, timing, costs, and documentation.
• Collaborate across product management, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to meet milestones.
• Provide design oversight and mentor engineers, reviewing parts and root causes.

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross-functional leadership

Root cause analysis

Quality processes

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD (SolidWorks/Creo)

Job description

Relate Search has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in its search for a Senior Vehicle Engineer to help bring new products from concept through production. This role will own high-level vehicle systems or, depending on project scope and complexity, an entire vehicle while working across the full product development lifecycle. You’ll collaborate closely with product management, manufacturing, operations, quality, suppliers, sourcing partners, and external development resources to turn market requirements into validated, production-ready solutions. The opportunity is well suited for a hands‑on mechanical engineer who can work independently, navigate ambiguity, and bring cross‑functional teams together to move projects forward.

Responsibilities:

• Lead vehicle system and component development from feasibility and concept through prototyping, validation, release, and production implementation.
• Translate market requirements into system, subsystem, and component specifications while maintaining technical rigor through design reviews, DFMEA, DVP, APQP, and related engineering processes.
• Own engineering deliverables for assigned programs, including CAD and drawing releases, bills of materials, timing, cost and capital estimates, and documentation within the product lifecycle management process.
• Partner across product management, manufacturing, operations, quality, sourcing, suppliers, and external resources to remove roadblocks, manage risk, and deliver against project milestones.
• Provide design oversight and supplier accountability by reviewing parts, assemblies, drawings, specifications, failure modes, and root causes while mentoring less experienced engineers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology required.
• Approximately 7+ years of engineering experience is preferred for the senior level, with the ability to independently interpret direction and deliverables without close supervision.
• Hands‑on mechanical design experience, preferably across a full product development lifecycle, with broad exposure to vehicle systems, testing, prototyping, fabrication, machining, or related product‑development work.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes for both polymeric and metal components, including processes such as injection molding, extrusion, stamping, die casting, welding, thermoforming, or comparable methods.
• Strong technical, analytical, project leadership, and communication skills, including experience identifying risks, understanding failure modes, performing root cause analysis, and driving cross‑functional execution.
• Relocation is available for candidates moving to the Augusta area.
• Opportunity to work across a broad range of vehicle‑development activities and mentor less experienced engineers.
• A sign‑on bonus may be considered if needed to secure talent and if approved; it is not guaranteed.

About Relate Search

Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA+ owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people‑first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.