Job Overview
The Prototype Build Lead Engineer is responsible for coordinating and auditing the entire prototype vehicle build and validation process to ensure vehicles meet maturity, quality, and testing requirements. The role oversees DVP, MVT, and sign-off processes across the program and plays a strategic role in organizational development, resource planning, system setup, and cross-functional collaboration to support successful vehicle development.
Responsibility
- Prototype Build Management:
- Direct the end-to-end process of test vehicle prototype builds, from planning and parts coordination to physical assembly and readiness for validation.
- Troubleshoot build issues and coordinate with suppliers to resolve part shortages, quality concerns, or technical mismatches.
- Testing Support & Issue Resolution:
- Provide technical oversight during vehicle testing activities across the development cycle.
- Identify, track, and escalate issues; validate corrective actions to ensure test success and product maturity.
- DVP Development & Oversight:
- Lead the creation, refinement, and maintenance of the vehicle-level Design Verification Plan (DVP), with a strong focus on homologation and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure test coverage meets attribute performance targets and certification requirements.
- Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with internal teams (attribute leads, design, validation, quality) and external partners (suppliers, test labs) to define test protocols and ensure consensus.
- Act as the voice of integration to align all contributors toward a common goal.
- Testing Execution & Quality Assurance:
- Lead and coordinate vehicle-level attribute testing efforts to validate functional performance, safety, and reliability.
- Support data collection, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation in partnership with attribute engineers and supplier teams.
- Program Communication & Leadership Interface:
- Chair regular meetings to communicate test status, manage issue lists, and align test priorities with program timelines.
- Report testing and prototype status directly to the Program Chief Engineer and senior management, providing transparency and actionable insights.
- Showcase Event Management:
- Plan and execute vehicle drive events and technology showcases for executives and key stakeholders.
- Ensure vehicles are prepared, issues resolved, and event outcomes reflect innovation and project progress.
- Budget & Resources Management
- Lead the budgeting process for prototype builds, vehicle validation testing and facility use
- Negotiate and manage vehicle quantities, test facility requirements, and external vendor resources in line with technical needs and stakeholder expectations
Requirements
- B.S Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- Experience on Vehicle performance testing such as Passive/Active safety, Drivability, Vehicle Dynamics, Durability, NVH, Thermal, Environment with ICE and/or Electric vehicles, electrical systems and functional sub-systems (Experience on Design engineering would be prefereble)
- Experience reviewing testing strategies and methodologies; evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, procedures, processes, initiatives, products, and internal controls; and identifying issues resulting from internal and/or external compliance examinations
- Minimum 10 years of working within Automotive industry including +3 years of managerial experience
- Proficient knowledge of automotive industry standards and best practices around testing & validation and risk management processes.
- Deep underding and knowledge on Vehicle performance such as Passive/Active safety, Drivability, Vehicle Dynamics, Durability, NVH, Thermal, Environments
