Role Overview for VP, R&D, Electrification with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained by a prestigious, globally recognized Automotive OEM to identify a transformative leader for the position of Vice President of Research & Development, Electrification. Based in the automotive heartland of Detroit, MI, this executive will serve as the principal architect of the company’s electric future, steering its transition into a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) market. This is a career-defining opportunity to lead a world-class engineering organization, drive groundbreaking innovation, and fundamentally shape the future of sustainable mobility.
The ideal candidate is a visionary technologist and an inspirational leader with a profound understanding of the entire electrification ecosystem. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for all R&D activities related to battery systems, electric propulsion, power electronics, and charging infrastructure. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, you will command a significant budget and a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and researchers. Your mission is to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation EV technologies that deliver unparalleled performance, safety, and value to customers worldwide, ensuring our client not only competes but leads in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, Electrification with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The Vice President of R&D, Electrification will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic & Technical Vision
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-range R&D roadmap for all electrification technologies, aligning with the company’s overall business objectives, product portfolio strategy, and sustainability goals.
- Act as the company’s foremost technical authority on EV technology, staying ahead of industry trends, competitive developments, and emerging technological breakthroughs in areas such as solid-state batteries, advanced motor topologies, and wide-bandgap semiconductors.
- Champion a culture of innovation and calculated risk-taking, fostering an environment where novel ideas are encouraged, explored, and rapidly prototyped.
- Identify and forge strategic partnerships with leading universities, national laboratories, technology startups, and key suppliers to augment internal R&D capabilities and accelerate innovation.
Product Development & Execution
- Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle for all core electrification components, including battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), electric drive units (EDUs), inverters, on-board chargers (OBCs), and thermal management systems.
- Ensure the delivery of robust, reliable, and cost-effective designs that meet or exceed stringent performance, quality, and safety targets from concept through to mass production.
- Implement and refine best-in-class engineering processes and development methodologies (e.g., Agile, V-Model) to optimize for speed, efficiency, and first-time quality.
- Drive adherence to critical automotive electrification standards and functional safety requirements, such as ISO 26262, to ensure product compliance and robustness across all global markets.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, globally distributed organization of engineering professionals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
- Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent in a highly competitive market, building a world-class team with deep domain expertise across all facets of vehicle electrification.
- Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and career development pathways for the R&D team, ensuring alignment and continuous professional growth.
- Champion effective communication and collaboration across all functional areas, including Product Planning, Design, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance, to ensure seamless program execution.
Operational & Financial Management
- Assume full responsibility for the multi-million dollar R&D budget for electrification, ensuring disciplined financial management, accurate forecasting, and optimal allocation of resources to high-priority initiatives.
- Oversee the management and strategic expansion of state-of-the-art R&D labs and testing facilities.
- Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement within the R&D function, leveraging data and analytics to enhance decision-making and resource efficiency.
- Develop and manage the company’s intellectual property portfolio related to electrification, working closely with the legal team to secure patents and protect critical innovations.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, Electrification with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
This is a senior executive role that requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and proven leadership capabilities. Qualified candidates must meet the following criteria:
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field is required.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in automotive research and development, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director-level or higher).
- Extensive, hands-on experience focused specifically on electric vehicle and powertrain development is mandatory.
- Demonstrated track record of successfully leading large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams (100+ members) through multiple vehicle or powertrain product development cycles, from concept to successful production launch.
Technical Expertise
- Expert-level knowledge of high-voltage battery systems, including cell chemistry (NMC, LFP, etc.), module/pack design, thermal management, and battery management systems.
- Deep understanding of electric motor design (e.g., permanent magnet, induction), power electronics (e.g., inverters, converters), and vehicle charging systems (AC/DC, V2G).
- Familiarity with systems engineering principles, model-based design (MBD), and simulation/validation methodologies for complex electro-mechanical systems.
Leadership Competencies
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a proven ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
- Outstanding strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, capable of navigating ambiguity and making sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling technical vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing large budgets and connecting R&D initiatives to tangible business outcomes.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best talent in the industry. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term incentive plan (stock options/RSUs).
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off (PTO), company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
Relocation
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for domestic and international candidates.
Vehicle Program
Access to a company vehicle lease program featuring the latest models.
Professional Growth
Ample opportunities for continued professional development, including executive coaching and leadership training programs.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary leader with the passion and expertise to drive the future of automotive electrification, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Automotive Executive Search practice area. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
