Engineering Manager, Continuous Improvement

Job Description:About the RoleThe 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.Key ResponsibilitiesContinuous 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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).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, preferredLeadership to include 5 years experience, required.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 toolsCore Competencies• Analytical & structured problem solving• Cross-functional leadership• Systems thinking & technical judgment• Strong communication & executive-level storytelling• Results-oriented with a continuous-improvement mindset