What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Engineering position at TBEI. Inc.?
Are you a strategic technology leader passionate about innovation, manufacturing excellence, and leading high-impact teams?
We’re looking for a Vice President of Engineering to join our leadership team in Homewood, Alabama, and drive the next era of product innovation, smart manufacturing, and post-sale service transformation.
Job Summary:
The Vice President of Engineering is a strategic and innovative leader responsible for driving the development, implementation, and continuous advancement of technology solutions that fuel product innovation, enhance manufacturing efficiency, and elevate post-sale service capabilities. This executive plays a critical role in aligning the company’s technology strategy with business objectives—ensuring long-term competitive advantage through cutting-edge manufacturing processes, scalable product platforms, and world-class service technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
Product & Customer Issue Management
- Lead cross-functional response to customer product issues, including root cause analysis, resolution strategies, and legal reviews.
- Manage NHTSA campaign reporting and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Product Development & Lifecycle
- Oversee the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and project management, including quarterly FS reporting and patent activity.
- Drive product design optimization, consolidation, and innovation through advanced R&D and testing capabilities.
Corporate Engineering Leadership
- Establish and manage corporate engineering knowledge systems and training programs.
- Oversee test lab, product validation systems, and best-practice documentation.
- Champion Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles across the organization.
Manufacturing Innovation & Council Leadership
- Lead the Manufacturing Council and drive the “Factory of the Future” initiatives, including:
- Product manufacturing site strategy
- Automation and robotics roadmap
- Design for robotic manufacturing
- Additive manufacturing and laser welding technology implementation
Supply Chain & Outsourcing Support
- Manage product-related supply chain issues with a focus on root cause analysis and resolution.
- Provide strategic oversight for product production outsourcing and vendor collaboration.
Engineering Processes & Tools
- Collaborate with business units on engineering tools, processes, and systems development.
- Lead enterprise-wide implementation of ECR/ECO processes and change management tools.
- Provide technical engineering support for all operations related to NPI efforts.
Standardization & Best Practice Sharing
- Identify and standardize best practices across brand product lines to drive cost reduction through design and process improvements.
People Leadership & Project Execution
- Mentor, develop, and conduct performance reviews for engineering and technical teams.
- Track progress of major projects, ensure adherence to commercialization timelines, and motivate teams to achieve milestones.
- Serve as a key liaison across R&D, engineering, IT, operations, and customer service teams.
- Travel as required to manage projects and support on-site implementation.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field required; Master’s or MBA strongly preferred.
- 15 years of progressive engineering and technology leadership experience, including:
- 10 years in manufacturing environment
- 5 years of direct people management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing external engineering resources and integrating global teams.
- Proven success in launching new products annually, setting strategic priorities, and executing long-range product development plans.
- Experience overseeing complex, multi-million-dollar programs delivered on time and within budget.
- Strong background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 80/20, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Deep understanding of digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and service lifecycle management (SLM).
- Track record of motivating high-performing teams in matrixed and multi-site environments.
- Excellent business acumen, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Automotive or truck industry experience is a strong plus.
- Ability to travel as needed to facilities and customer locations.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.