Position Overview

The Launch Engineering Manager is part of the Customer Engineering team that supports Proterra customers during all phases of development, testing, and product launch. This leader will direct a team of diverse and dynamic electric vehicle specialists located in strategic locations throughout the country and globe, supporting customers as vehicle interface issue resolution experts. They provide cross-functional hands-on support for our OEM customers when they install our products in their vehicles, as first line of support for installation, issue resolution, and interfaces, at both the test vehicle and early SOP phases. This team is considered the best-of-the-best in the industry at identifying issues between an OEM vehicle manufacturer and Proterra battery systems, and is a key differentiator for Proterra compared to competitors.

 About the Role – You will:

Lead technical competency for launch-related technical topics with customers, including mechanical aspects, controls, high voltage systems, and electrical aspects. Facilitate resolution of these issues that are approximately 60% software and controls, 25% electrical, and 15% mechanical. Lead a diverse team of 4-6 engineers and technicians on the launch team located throughout the US and the globe. Mentor and coach for top performance, technical competency, communication, and collaborative culture. Manage and delegate effectively, ensuring focus and prioritization on the most important topics in the midst of ambiguity and conflicting priorities, both internally and from customers. Ensure the team is setup for success from a technical and capacity perspective, and focused in the right direction. Lead and participate in complex cross functional technical topics with multiple teams through the organization to resolve design, engineering quality, or other issues. Define processes for the launch team, coordinating with other Customer Engineering leaders, and ensuring cohesive interfaces to other teams throughout the organization. Lead continuous improvement initiatives for the integration and Customer Engineering team Collaborate with Business Development for future potential projects, evaluating customer requirements, resource impacts, and feasibility Manage resources and team capacity, communicating team needs and needs for future and existing projects Represent Proterra in high level customer conversations, industry forums and committees, and other external activities. Build relationships with technical contacts at customers and 3rd party partners, creating trust and strong collaboration. Continuously evaluate Proterra processes for improvement and refinement, and propose creative methods to improve efficiency, robustness, and quality.

About You:

Passion for people and coaching to top performance Passion for EV technology and its adoption into the automotive industry Self-starter with the ability to adapt interpersonal styles and techniques to influence at all levels of organizations with clear communication and presentation skills Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, establish trust and credibility, and act with complete integrity. Team player who understands and demonstrates by example the importance of working well with others both internal and external to the organization. Detail-oriented, resourceful and diligent, with strong time management and organizational skills to balance and prioritize tasks/ projects. Adaptable and able to work in an ambiguous environment both technically and organizationally, and create clarity out of those situations. Ability to tackle and solve complex and unique system issues where analysis of data/situations requires an evaluation of intangibles Passion for electric vehicles with knowledge of systems engineering in multiple engineering disciplines. Knowledge of typical engineering tools including simulation, CANalyzer, data analysis, and other tools.

 Your Experience Includes:

BS in an engineering discipline 6-12 years of progressive engineering experience with vehicle design, performance, or systems integration 2+ years’ experience leading major projects Minimum 2 years' experience in commercial or passenger vehicle development, validation, field service, or application engineering.

Physical Demands:

May work various shifts as needed; may be requested to travel to different locations. Lifting up to 25 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds. Able to walk, stand, crouch, bench, kneel, lift, carry and reach as needed in large and tight spaces. Good eye/hand coordination and ability to identify color variations, depth perceptions and close or distance visual items. Manual dexterity with occasional repetitive finger motion.

Environmental Demands:

Ability to work in manufacturing environment with extreme heat and cold conditions. Wear protective clothing or respiratory protective equipment. Works with irritant chemicals, gases, etc.

Travel: 20-30%

Location: Greer, SC preferred, not required. 

Proterra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all Employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Proterra participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program (E-Verify).  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)