Head of Engineering

What Makes Motiv Special?

Through a radically different approach to building electric trucks that combines our own patented IP with strategic partnerships, we have developed a line of all-electric medium-duty trucks and buses used in a range of applications.  Our next-generation electric truck, the Argo, is coming out in 2024.

The ideal candidate will want to be part of the team leading the commercial electric truck industry.  Our trucks and buses have logged millions of customer-driven miles and tens of millions of pounds delivered in the US and Canada while reducing millions of pounds of CO2 emissions. You will be joining us at a critical inflection point in our growth, when, in addition to launching our Argo truck, we are significantly expanding our products, capacity and market volume.

Motiv’s core values are deep passion, curiosity, collaboration, customer focus and “owning it.” If those are values you share, we would love to talk with you about joining our team and taking your career to the next level in one of the hottest technology sectors. To succeed in this job, you must be able to perform the duties listed below – and others as required.

Department: Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Vehicle Systems) 
Reports to: COO

Job Summary
Motiv is looking for a driven, experienced, and strategic Head of Engineering who is a hands-on leader for all aspects of Core and Systems engineering to drive Product creation and launch for Motiv’s growth to be a leading medium-duty commercial electric truck OEM by 2026.
This role is the ultimate technical authority across all engineering departments to bring products and services to market, contributing to the definition and execution of company goals. The ideal candidate will be able to establish strong technical and program capability at Motiv across Design Studio, Craftmanship, Functional Safety, Compliance, Vehicle Dynamics, NVH and Durability through broad knowledge and experience of all technical aspects across vehicle programs from Vehicle Design and Development through to Manufacturing and Quality.
Additionally, the ideal candidate must actively understand, and engage with, cutting-edge advancements in the field, seek and incorporate input from other executive team members, partner in the development of technology strategy and product offerings for the business and lead its transition to new program implementation, and be the key Motiv decision maker to establish and communicate our Product roadmap and cycle plan over the business plan period.
This position reports to the COO and is located in Novi, MI with extensive time needed (especially in the first year) in Foster City, CA.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
● Yes

Role and Responsibilities:
Overall: Drive and lead cross-functional excellence across the full engineering discipline and set direction for design, performance, attributes - with quality & cost targets - to deliver all commercial medium duty electric truck products to company targets
• This includes the design, development and launch of New Products in the business plan - Argo Cab, Epic 4, Motiv’s proprietary chassis, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Vehicle Diagnostics, future hardware, software, firmware architecture evolution and Customer business improvement mechanisms, such as proactive uptime optimization
• And, using customer performance data, identifying and implementing the actions required for durability of the deployed fleet and establishing life cycle (e.g. sunset of legacy products) aligned with warranty
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure ‘product and program tradeoffs’ are decided effectively in the total Motiv best interest
Technical Leadership: Responsible and accountable to be the single lead within the Company to set engineering priorities, assign resources, lead deep technical reviews. Sign off on design, performance, attributes, quality and cost targets. Responsible for final engineering sign-off at each stage from concept to production through engineering releases, engineering changes and sourcing. Provide technical direction and leadership to the engineering team
• Hands on, detailed engagement to ensure effective engineering output while building skills and capability needed for an OEM
• Lead critical evaluation of complex technical issues and engagement of subject matter experts from all disciplines.
• Resolve complex technical issues and provide solutions to engineering challenges.
• Be a decision maker for concept freezes, engineering changes and sourcing with final engineering sign-off responsibility for the change management process. Review and approve engineering designs, specifications, and technical documents.
• Lead the development of electric powertrain systems, including electric motors, batteries, and power electronics.
• Ensure the integration of electric powertrain components with the vehicle's overall design, optimizing for efficiency, range, and performance.
• Oversee partnered design/development of advanced battery systems, including thermal management, charging systems, & BMS.
• Ensure battery safety, longevity, and performance, particularly under the heavier-duty operational conditions typical of commercial trucks.
• Ensure Motiv electric trucks are designed to withstand the heavy loads and demanding conditions of commercial operations.
• Focus on optimizing vehicle dynamics, including weight distribution, suspension systems, and overall durability.
• Drive efforts to maximize energy efficiency and range extension through innovative design and technology integration.
• Explore and implement regenerative braking systems, aerodynamics improvements, and lightweight materials.
• Collaborate with infrastructure teams to ensure compatibility of vehicle charging systems with existing and emerging charging networks.
• Ensure vehicle readiness on charging technologies developments (e.g., fast/wireless charging, V2G).
Vehicle Design and Development: Responsible to define and translate customer wants into attributes, system and sub-system requirements and product & program targets. Lead the design and development process for new vehicles, including conceptualization, prototyping, testing and successful launch. Ensure robustness of current products.
• Drive timely, early clarity on the voice of the market/customer, translated into specific requirements for design, attributes and cost targets of the total product combining Cabs, Chassis, electric powertrains, software and firmware as an integrated customer offering
• Ensure that the vehicle design meets all regulatory, safety, and performance standards including Vehicle Dynamics, NVH, Durability and Craftsmanship relevant to the medium duty commercial truck customer.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and marketing, to ensure the vehicle meets customer needs and company objectives.
Regulatory Compliance and Emissions Standards: Ensure that the vehicle design and development comply with all functional safety and relevant emissions and environmental regulations, particularly those specific to electric medium-duty commercial trucks.
• Stay updated on changes in automotive regulations and ensure the vehicle remains compliant with evolving standards in different markets
Innovation and R&D: Be an active and thoughtful co-leader for successful creation & validation of New Technology. Lead its effective transition into New Product introduction
• Lead benchmarking activities (system level and vehicle level) to comprehend industry direction and review together with engineering teams and leadership to determine future product actions
• Drive innovation in vehicle design, including the integration of new technologies and materials.
• Collaborate with R&D to explore and implement new engineering solutions and advancements
Quality Assurance: Ensure that Motiv trucks meet all quality standards, including durability, reliability, and performance.
• Oversee testing and validation processes to ensure the vehicle performs as expected in real-world conditions.
• Implement continuous improvement processes to enhance vehicle quality and performance.
Project Management: Manage the engineering project timeline, budget, and resources.
• Oversee the coordination of different engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, firmware) involved in the vehicle development process.
• Ensure that project milestones are met and that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
• Continually raise skills and capabilities
• As a senior company leader, be a mentor and coach to support silo-free cross-functional leadership development across Motiv
Stakeholder Communication: Communicate overall engineering and project status, challenges, and successes to senior management and other stakeholders.
• Have a deep, ‘going to Gemba’ understanding of customer, partner, supplier expectations, current realities and future aspirations
• Develop and implement robust mechanisms to ensure networked communication and improvement channels – such as technology partner/supplier councils and industry forums

Key Competencies:

Technical Expertise in all aspects of commercial EV truck Engineering, Development and Launch
• Deep Knowledge, and ability to guide the design and integration, of the hardware, firmware and software of Cab, Chassis and electric powertrain components, including motors, batteries, inverters, and charging systems specific to commercial trucks
• Ability to drive innovation in the context of electric medium-duty trucks, balancing cutting-edge technology with practical commercial needs.
• Expertise in the unique engineering challenges of commercial trucks, such as load-bearing structures, aerodynamics, and suspension systems.
• The ability to integrate various subsystems (e.g., electrical, mechanical, software, firmware) into a cohesive vehicle that meets performance, safety, and reliability standards.
• Strong durability and reliability focus, with emphasis on designing vehicles that can handle the demanding conditions of commercial use.
• Ability to optimize energy use and extend vehicle range under various load conditions.
• Knowledge of advanced materials (e.g., lightweight composites) and modern manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing) that are critical for electric commercial vehicles.
• Expertise in the regulatory landscape governing electric vehicles, including emissions standards, safety regulations, and certification processes.
Financial and Business Acumen
• Have a demonstrated understanding of the overall company objectives and how each part of the business has to work together to effectively deliver results
• Expertise in effective establishment of business plans and financial targets in a large and complex growth company. Track progress, pivot as needed and deliver.
Leadership and Team Management
• Set a clear vision for the engineering team, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals. This includes defining technical roadmaps, setting priorities, and establishing performance standards.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with the company’s strategic goals and key stakeholders, that will be used to measure project and individual performance.
1. External such as customer (e.g. uptime, TCO, fleet monitoring, performance optimization); supplier (e.g. selection, collaboration)
2. Internal such as meeting timing, cost (both low unit cost and total cost) and attribute/quality targets
• The role involves mentoring and developing the engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The Chief Engineer should provide guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Effectively delegate tasks and responsibilities, empowering team members to take ownership of their work while providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance, providing constructive feedback, recognizing achievements, and addressing any performance issues in a timely manner.
• Address and resolve conflicts within the team, ensuring a collaborative and productive work environment.
Project Management
• Develop detailed project plans that include timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring that the engineering team can meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Identify potential risks to project success, such as technical challenges, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory changes, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments (e.g., manufacturing, procurement, quality assurance) to ensure the project progresses smoothly through all phases, from design to production.
• Efficiently allocate and manage resources, including personnel, materials, and budget, to ensure project success.
• Regularly monitor project progress, adjust plans as needed, and provide updates to senior management and stakeholders.
Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Demonstrated ability to identify the root causes of technical issues, whether they arise in design, testing, or production, and to develop effective solutions.
• Use data and analytics to inform decisions, such as performance data from prototypes or simulations, to optimize vehicle design and functionality.
• Approach complex problems with a structured, logical mindset, considering multiple perspectives and potential solutions before making decisions.
• The ability to quickly adapt to new challenges or changes in project scope, technology, or market demands, and to pivot the engineering strategy as necessary.
Innovation and Creativity
• Lead the exploration and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced battery management systems, AI-driven vehicle controls, or sustainable materials.
• Think outside the box to find innovative solutions to engineering challenges, such as improving energy efficiency, extending vehicle range, or reducing operational costs.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the team, encouraging experimentation, iteration, and the continuous improvement of processes and products.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in electric vehicle design and apply this knowledge to the company’s projects.
Attention to Detail
• Ensure that every aspect of vehicle design is meticulously planned and executed, from component specifications to system integration, to avoid costly errors or safety issues.
• Oversee rigorous testing and validation processes, ensuring that every vehicle meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of all engineering processes, designs, and changes, ensuring that information is easily accessible for traceability and future reference.
• Diligently track regulatory and safety compliance throughout the design and development process, ensuring that all requirements are met without exception.
Communication and Collaboration
• Think on their feet and clearly communicate their vision to various audiences. Deep knowledge with the ability to communicate at a fundamental first-principles level to drive engineering robustness
• Effectively communicate technical concepts and project status to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding across departments.
• Foster a collaborative work environment where ideas are shared openly, and team members work together to solve problems and achieve common goals.
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as suppliers, regulatory bodies, and customers, to ensure their needs and requirements are understood and incorporated into the vehicle design.
• Provide clear, concise, proactive reports and presentations to senior management, outlining project progress, challenges, and recommendations.

Education and Experience:
● Proven leader with 10+ years’ experience in vehicle engineering, with a proven track record in leading vehicle development and launch projects. Strong knowledge of automotive design, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
● Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. Masters preferred.
● Deep knowledge and expertise of electric vehicle technology, including software, powertrains, battery systems, and charging infrastructure. Experience in the design and development of medium duty commercial electric trucks is preferred.
● Fluency and sufficient technical depth and understanding of the strategic, tactical, cross-functional integration requirements and challenges of the hardware, software, firmware and customer performance information requirements of medium-duty commercial electric trucks
● Experience in engineering for heavier duty vehicles, particularly in areas such as load-bearing structures, durability, and vehicle dynamics
● Understanding of the operational needs and challenges of commercial truck fleets, including maintenance, uptime, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
● Familiarity with specific regulations and standards governing electric commercial vehicles, such as those related to emissions, safety, and roadworthiness.
● Excellent project management and leadership skills.
● Ability to solve complex engineering problems and make critical decisions under pressure.
● Proficiency in engineering software and tools used in vehicle design and development including but not limited to Catia, 3Dexperience, Enovia, FEA, PLEX
● Strong communication skills, both written and verbal that provide self-evident gravitas and professional credibility to be a respected and trusted senior Company leader enabling Motiv’s growth to an OEM

Physical Requirements:
● Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
● Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout facilities.
● Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facilities.
● May be required to lift up to 35 pounds.

Salary range for this role is $282,400.00-318,900.00 (Novi, MI)

Benefits & Perks 

• US Based Employees: Competitive and comprehensive benefits package including Medical (including 24/7 online access to a physician), Dental, Vision, HSA, Health & Dependent Care FSA, 401(k) with company match, company paid Basic Life and AD&D, employee paid Voluntary Life and AD&D.
• Generous PTO policy, 11 Paid Company Holidays
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and Education Reimbursement 
• Fresh daily snacks and a healthy Work/Life Balance
• Access to Perks at Work - Discounted learning, tickets, electronics, travel, health, restaurants & retail.
• Free Online Training & Development
• Bicycle friendly, with bike storage available to all Foster City employees with a 5 minute walk to the scenic Bay Front.
• Regular Happy Hours, Company Cultural Events, and more!

About Motiv

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv is a leading manufacturer of medium-duty, zero-emission electric trucks. Motiv produces a range of vehicles, including step vans, shuttle buses, box trucks, and work trucks bases, all of which eliminate tailpipe CO2 emissions and particulate matter, while offering drivers and passengers a more comfortable, quieter and safer ride.

Motiv’s combination of operational cost savings and environmental performance helps customers meet increasingly stringent emissions and pollution standards as well as achieve their own Net-Zero, ESG or other climate impact-related pledges and commitments.