The Vice President – Manufacturing Engineering and Mechanical Systems is responsible for leading the integration of mechanical product design with scalable, efficient, and innovative manufacturing processes across all global sites. This executive will oversee the development of world-class manufacturing engineering strategies and ensure alignment with mechanical system design, quality standards, and product lifecycle goals. The role requires strong expertise in mechanical systems, industrial engineering, automation, and cross-functional collaboration to accelerate the transition from prototype to full-scale production.
Define the global strategy for manufacturing engineering and mechanical systems alignment across vehicle platforms and product lines.
Champion process innovation, automation, and digital manufacturing initiatives to enhance throughput, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
Establish advanced manufacturing capabilities that align with mechanical product complexity and evolving technology demands.
Drive collaboration between mechanical engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure DFM/DFA principles are embedded early in product development.
Oversee industrialization of mechanical systems (chassis, structures, thermal, powertrain) and ensure successful NPI (New Product Introduction).
Lead manufacturing process design for welding, CNC machining, assembly, casting, forming, and thermal system integration.
Support the ramp-up of global manufacturing sites, ensuring readiness of tooling, fixtures, line balancing, and process validation.
Implement scalable processes, standard work instructions, and process controls across regions and product variants.
Lead technical aspects of supplier development and plant transfer activities related to mechanical components.
Oversee a cross-functional team of manufacturing engineers, process experts, tooling specialists, and launch managers.
Ensure timely execution of manufacturing deliverables including PFMEAs, control plans, pilot builds, and capability studies.
Support factory digitalization, predictive maintenance, and smart manufacturing adoption.
Ensure manufacturing processes comply with global safety, regulatory, and quality standards (ISO/TS, OSHA, etc.).
Drive continuous improvement in yield, process efficiency, energy use, and total manufacturing cost.
Integrate lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 tools across all operations.
Mechanical Design–Manufacturing Integration (DFM/DFA)
Advanced Manufacturing Strategy (automation, robotics, modular production)
Tooling, Fixture, and Process Design for Mechanical Systems
Process Industrialization for Structural, Powertrain, and Thermal Systems
NPI and Manufacturing Launch Management
Lean Engineering, Process Optimization, and Quality Systems
Smart Manufacturing / Industry 4.0 Enablement
Global Manufacturing Engineering Team Development
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Engineering; MBA is a plus.
18+ years of experience in mechanical systems engineering and manufacturing operations, with at least 8 years in executive roles.
Strong expertise in vehicle or mechanical systems production including forming, joining, CNC, and final assembly processes.
Demonstrated leadership in global engineering organizations with multi-site operations.
Proficient in lean principles, digital manufacturing tools, PLM systems, and engineering analytics.
Automotive OEMs or Tier-1 Suppliers
Electric Vehicle or Mobility Startups
Aerospace or Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
High-Mix, Low-Volume Production Environments