Global Off-Road Vehicle Development Lead

The Global Off-Road Vehicle Development Lead is responsible for leading the integration and synthesis of all vehicle systems to achieve world-class off-road performance, quality, and customer experience targets for the some of the world's most capable off-road models. This role serves as the technical bridge between vehicle programs, all global regions, and the chassis, powertrain, body, interior, and electrical teams - driving cross-functional alignment from concept through production launch. You will oversee vehicle-level attribute balancing, performance target setting, and feature development and validation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Global Off-Road Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams through concept definition, vehicle development and final validation phases as well as lead global harmonization and alignment efforts related to off-road performance.
• Lead Off-Road Development and Validation: Own the off-road development and validation processes including Customer Functional Objectives and DVP&R management, new feature development, and drive excellence in vehicle performance.
• Benchmarking, Target Setting and Innovation: Lead competitive vehicle benchmarking, performance analysis, and technical target derivation, as well as spearhead innovation activities on new features.
• Technical Reviews and Trail Rating Assessments: Lead virtual and physical off-road performance assessments (Trail and Desert Rating), vehicle-level design reviews, program milestone assessments, and escalation meetings.
• Off-Road Training and Skills Development: Manage corporate off-road training and lead development trip activities (act as a trail guide/spotter, provide safety and recovery training, etc.)
• Special Events and Off-Road Facility Management: Support internal and external special events as well as internal facility and off-road event design and management.

Basic Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related, technical field
• Experience: 5+ years of well-rounded automotive development experience - preferably including experience with leading teams in vehicle integration, vehicle sciences (Dynamics, NVH, etc), or system engineering
• Work effectively and manage direct and non-direct reports across multiple unique disciplines
• Must be a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and a self-directed process thinker with well-developed problem-solving skills
• Deep understanding of vehicle attributes, system interactions, and trade-off management
• Ability to simplify complex engineering topics, develop and deliver a presentation concisely to all levels of management and external audiences/media
• Ability to make quick decisions using sound engineering logic while representing the Voice of the Customer
• Ability to define the engineering logic behind features and systems critical to the customer experience
• Passion for cars & trucks, motorsports / vehicle recreation and continuous innovation.
• Experienced in recreational or professional off-roading activities