Senior Manager, R&D Vehicle Production

Quick Facts

• Own prototype vehicle line execution, including assembly, diagnostics, testing, and End-of-Line (EOL) validation
• Lead cross-functional issue resolution between hardware and software engineering
• Manage budgets and people; enforce safety for high-voltage and pre-production vehicles

Description

You will run R&D vehicle prototype lines and deliver vehicles for mileage collection, software validation, and early builds toward next-generation ground-up vehicles. You will implement repeatable build processes with accurate hardware/software configuration records, ensure quality and traceability via MES/QMS, and coordinate decisive escalation when issues block builds. You will also lead technicians and supervisors, manage line budgets, and drive continuous improvement using structured problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Own diagnostics, functional testing, and EOL validation; deliver safe, complete, on-time vehicles to fleet and engineering teams
• Assemble vehicles and maintain accurate hardware/software configuration records for each unit
• Ensure vehicles meet quality and product specifications
• Manage OPEX, CAPEX, and headcount budgets; prioritize investments that improve throughput, quality, and flexibility
• Ensure MES and QMS support prototype builds, including traceability and issue tracking; drive continuous improvement through the production system
• Hire, train, and develop technicians, leads, and supervisors; set expectations and evaluate performance
• Build a safety-first culture in partnership with EHS; enforce safe practices for high-voltage systems and pre-production vehicles

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Management, or related field
• 15+ years of vehicle or complex electromechanical assembly manufacturing experience (prototype/pilot/NPI)
• 5+ years leading production teams (supervisors or managers)
• Proven ability to lead hardware and software engineers to resolve build issues under schedule pressure without direct authority
• Working knowledge of mechanical/electrical/high-voltage and embedded software systems, including building, diagnosing, and testing
• Experience transitioning new products from prototype into serial production
• Familiarity with MES, ERP, QMS, and structured problem-solving (8D, root cause analysis)
• Strong communication with executives on build status, risks, and trade-offs

Benefits

• Opportunity to influence prototype-to-serial production execution and vehicle launch outcomes