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# VP, Product Engineering with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI



Role Overview for VP, Product Engineering with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized, forward-thinking Tier 1 Automotive Supplier in their search for an exceptional Vice President of Product Engineering. This executive leadership position, based in the automotive innovation hub of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned engineering leader to shape the future of mobility. Our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation vehicle systems, including autonomous driving, electrification, and connected car technologies. They are seeking a visionary leader who can drive their product engineering organization to new heights of innovation, efficiency, and market leadership.
As the VP of Product Engineering, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept and R&D through to successful mass production and launch. You will command a large, multi-disciplinary global engineering team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
This role is not just about managing processes; it is about setting the strategic direction for the company’s product portfolio, anticipating market shifts, and ensuring that the engineering organization is agile, scalable, and equipped to meet the complex challenges of the modern automotive landscape. You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, working closely with other C-suite executives to align product strategy with overall business objectives, drive profitability, and solidify the company’s position as an indispensable partner to the world’s leading OEMs.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep technical background in automotive systems and a proven track record of leading large-scale engineering projects and teams. You possess exceptional business acumen, the ability to inspire and mentor top talent, and the gravitas to represent the company at the highest levels with customers, partners, and industry bodies. This is a pivotal role that requires a blend of technical mastery, strategic foresight, and inspirational leadership to navigate the rapid technological transformations shaping the automotive industry.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Product Engineering with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI
The Vice President of Product Engineering will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic, technical, operational, and people leadership. Success in this role will be measured by the successful launch of innovative products, the efficiency and effectiveness of the engineering organization, and the overall contribution to the company’s growth and profitability.
Strategic & Technology Leadership:

Develop and execute a comprehensive product and technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s long-term strategic goals and addresses emerging market trends in electrification (EV/HEV), autonomous systems (ADAS/AD), connectivity, and software-defined vehicles.
Conduct in-depth competitive analysis and market research to identify new product opportunities, technological threats, and potential strategic partnerships.
Champion innovation within the organization, fostering a culture that encourages creative problem-solving, intellectual property generation, and the exploration of disruptive technologies.
Serve as the company’s top technical authority, advising the CEO and Board of Directors on technology strategy, investment priorities, and M&A opportunities.
Establish and maintain relationships with key industry influencers, research institutions, and technology partners to stay at the cutting edge of automotive innovation.

Product Development & Execution:

Oversee the entire product development lifecycle (PDLC) from concept ideation, requirements definition, design, simulation, validation, and testing, through to production launch and post-launch support.
Implement and refine best-in-class engineering processes and methodologies (e.g., Agile, V-Model, ASPICE) to enhance product quality, reduce time-to-market, and optimize resource utilization.
Ensure all product development activities comply with rigorous automotive industry standards such as IATF 16949, ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), and ISO/SAE 21434 (Cybersecurity).
Direct the global R&D and advanced engineering teams to ensure a robust pipeline of future technologies and products.
Manage the engineering change management process to ensure seamless implementation of product updates and improvements without disrupting production or compromising quality.

Team & Organizational Leadership:

Lead, mentor, and develop a large, geographically dispersed team of engineers, program managers, and technical staff, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
Structure the engineering organization for optimal efficiency and scalability, defining roles, responsibilities, and career progression paths.
Implement robust talent management strategies, including recruitment, retention, performance management, and succession planning for critical engineering roles.
Empower teams by delegating responsibility, providing clear direction, and removing obstacles to success.

Financial & Operational Management:

Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global engineering budget, including R&D, capital expenditures, and operational costs, ensuring alignment with financial targets.
Drive operational excellence and cost-efficiency within the engineering function through process optimization, value engineering, and strategic resource allocation.
Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the engineering department, providing regular updates to the executive team on project status, budget adherence, and technical milestones.
Collaborate with the supply chain and manufacturing teams to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles are integrated early in the design process.

Requirements for the VP, Product Engineering with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI
We are seeking a world-class executive with a distinguished career in automotive engineering leadership. The successful candidate will possess a unique combination of deep technical expertise, strategic business insight, and a passion for building great teams and products.
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in automotive product engineering, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, VP).
Direct experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier is essential.
Demonstrated experience leading large, global, multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Proven track record of successfully leading the development and launch of complex automotive products or systems from concept to production.
Deep technical knowledge across a range of vehicle domains, such as powertrain, chassis, body electronics, infotainment, or ADAS.
Strong familiarity with the automotive product development process (APQP, PPAP) and quality systems (IATF 16949).
Exceptional financial acumen with experience managing large departmental budgets and making sound investment decisions.
Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among executive peers, customers, and technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master of Science, PhD in an engineering discipline, or an MBA is highly desirable.
Significant experience in high-growth technology areas such as electric vehicle (EV) propulsion systems, battery management systems (BMS), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), or vehicle cybersecurity.
In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards and best practices from organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Experience managing both hardware and software engineering teams and integrating complex embedded systems.
Demonstrated success in driving cultural change and organizational transformation within an engineering function.
Established relationships with key decision-makers at major automotive OEMs.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:

Competitive Executive Base Salary
Lucrative Annual Performance-Based Bonus Plan
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) with Equity/Stock Options
Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Executive-Level Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Schedule
Full Relocation Assistance Package to the Ann Arbor, MI area
Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance Program
Funding for Professional Development, Certifications, and Executive Education
Wellness Programs and Health Club Subsidies
Life and Disability Insurance

How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative engineering leader ready to make a significant impact on the future of the automotive industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and leadership philosophy.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the automotive and technology sectors. We connect innovative companies with the visionary leaders who drive them forward. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit the JRG Partners’ Automotive & Manufacturing Executive Search Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.