The Vice President – Global Engineering (Mechanical Systems) is responsible for setting the global engineering strategy, organizational leadership, and technical excellence across all mechanical engineering domains, including structures, powertrain, chassis, thermal systems, and manufacturing integration. This executive will lead geographically distributed teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality mechanical solutions aligned with business objectives. The VP will also drive standardization, advanced R&D, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure product competitiveness in global markets.
Define and execute the global mechanical engineering strategy in alignment with the company's product roadmap and technology vision.
Drive innovation and advanced engineering capabilities in structural, propulsion, suspension, and thermal systems.
Align global engineering teams on common goals, platforms, and technical direction.
Lead a global mechanical engineering organization, including design centers, R&D hubs, and regional engineering teams.
Develop talent, establish engineering leadership succession plans, and foster a high-performance culture.
Ensure consistent technical excellence, documentation standards, and quality across regions.
Oversee mechanical system design and delivery across all product lines, ensuring performance, cost, timing, and manufacturability targets are met.
Drive rigorous system engineering practices including DFMEA, DVP&R, CAE/CFD validation, and integration reviews.
Ensure on-time delivery of engineering releases to support global production timelines.
Collaborate with electrical/software teams, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and supply chain to ensure system compatibility and industrialization readiness.
Act as a key technical voice in executive reviews, product strategy meetings, and investment decisions.
Lead early-stage technology scouting, feasibility analysis, and strategic partnerships in mechanical systems.
Oversee development of intellectual property, design patents, and technical standards.
Drive standardization of components and systems across platforms to enable global scale and efficiency.
Ensure all mechanical systems meet or exceed global regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.
Lead initiatives in lightweighting, efficiency, and sustainable material usage.
Monitor technical risks and implement robust mitigation strategies.
Global Mechanical Engineering Strategy & Alignment
Leadership of Multi-Region Mechanical Engineering Teams
Advanced Product Development in Chassis, Powertrain, Thermal, and Structures
Cross-Domain System Integration with Electrical, Controls, and Software
Design for Manufacturability, Cost, and Quality at Scale
Sustainability, Lightweighting, and Materials Innovation
Engineering Governance, Standards, and Digital Transformation (PLM, CAE, MBSE)
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; MBA or Executive Education preferred.
18+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience, including global team management and executive-level decision-making.
Proven experience in launching complex mechanical systems in high-volume automotive, industrial, or mobility sectors.
Strong understanding of systems engineering, manufacturing constraints, regulatory landscapes, and innovation trends.
Excellent executive communication, strategic planning, and budget management capabilities.
Automotive OEMs / Tier-1 Suppliers
Electric Mobility & EV Startups
Aerospace or Heavy Machinery
Industrial Equipment / Robotics