Engineering Manager, Continuous Improvement

About the Role

The Engineering Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) drives excellence across the Vehicle Engineering organization by leading complex problem solving, Agile project execution, VAVE cost-reduction initiatives, Portfolio feature development, and engineering support for WAV Commercial Bids—including the Full-Size Vehicle market.

This role is ideal for a strong technical leader who thrives in a cross-functional environment, excels at process discipline, and is passionate about enabling teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective vehicle engineering solutions.

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Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

· Lead the CI strategy for Vehicle Engineering, targeting improvements in quality, delivery, cost, and design robustness.

· Apply structured problem-solving methodologies including DMAIC, A3, 8D, and root-cause analysis tools.

· Build organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and structured problem-solving training.

· Facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping, and waste-reduction initiatives.

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Agile Project Management

· Implement and lead Agile practices (Scrum/Kanban) for engineering projects, CI initiatives, product enhancements, and bid development.

· Use Jira/Azure DevOps to manage backlogs, sprints, WIP limits, and burndown tracking.

· Improve engineering throughput, predictability, and visibility through disciplined Agile execution.

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Commercial Bid Leadership (WAV & Full-Size Vehicle Market)

· Own the engineering deliverables for WAV Commercial Bids from RFQ through quote submission.

· Conduct technical feasibility reviews, define engineering requirements, and identify configuration needs.

· Create detailed engineering cost models (BOM, labor, tooling, validation, CapEx).

· Lead cross-functional sprint execution to ensure timely, accurate bid packages.

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Portfolio Partnership & Feature Development

· Collaborate closely with Portfolio/Product Management to translate customer insights and market requirements into engineering specifications.

· Drive feasibility analysis, feature definition, prioritization, and technical implementation.

· Ensure full lifecycle traceability from concept → requirement → prototype → validation → production.

· Provide engineering input to portfolio roadmapping and feature business cases.

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VAVE (Value Analysis / Value Engineering) Pipeline & Execution

· Own the VAVE pipeline, including ideation, prioritization, cost-benefit analysis, and project execution.

· Lead cross-functional teams to identify and deliver cost-reduction opportunities across BOM, process, and design.

· Validate savings and ensure sustainable implementation using CI/DMAIC rigor.

· Work with Supply Chain to develop alternative components, materials, and manufacturing solutions.

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People Leadership

· Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team skilled in CI, Agile execution, technical design, and structured problem solving.

· Set clear performance expectations, coach team members, and promote a culture of data-driven decision-making.

· Encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and transparent communication.

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Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and Finance to ensure alignment across initiatives.

· Support Design-for-Manufacturing, cost management, warranty reduction, and launch readiness efforts.

· Provide clear communication and status updates to leadership and stakeholders.

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Governance & Quality Systems

· Ensure engineering change control (ECR/ECX), documentation, and configuration management discipline.

· Maintain audit-ready records and problem-solving artifacts.

· Enable compliance with applicable regulatory standards (e.g., FMVSS, ADA).

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Required Qualifications

· B.S. in Mechanical, Automotive, Manufacturing, or Systems Engineering (M.S. preferred).

· 6+ years of vehicle engineering experience (WAV/automotive/mobility preferred).

· Strong background in CI methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D), preferred

· Experience implementing Agile in hardware or vehicle engineering environments, preferred

· Proven success in VAVE and/or cost-reduction initiatives, preferred

· Strong financial acumen (cost modeling, trade-off analysis, margin impact), preferred

· Familiarity with FMVSS, ADA, or related vehicle regulatory environments, preferred

Leadership to include 5 years experience, required.

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Preferred Qualifications

· Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

· Agile certifications (PSM, PMI-ACP, SAFe)

· Experience in accessible vehicle engineering or complex conversion programs

· Proficiency with CAD/Inventor, PLM/Teamcenter, Jira, and data analysis tools

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Core Competencies

· Analytical & structured problem solving

· Cross-functional leadership

· Systems thinking & technical judgment

· Strong communication & executive-level storytelling

· Results-oriented with a continuous-improvement mindset

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