Lead Engineer - Vehicle Architecture

Job Title:

Department

We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Lead Engineer to join our Vehicle Architecture team, with a strategic focus on upstream studies for EV platforms. This role will lead the definition of vehicle concepts and core architectural decisions that shape future electric vehicle products ensuring alignment between design, performance, manufacturability, cost, and regulations. You will also guide a small technical team and coordinate with stakeholders across engineering, design, and product strategy.

• Lead the vehicle architectural definition of new EV platforms from concept through to architecture freeze.
• Drive early-stage feasibility and packaging studies, with a focus on battery, e-motor, inverter, cooling, HV routing, and structural layout.
• Develop and manage the vehicle hardpoints book, dimensional envelopes, and master package layouts.
• Lead platform strategy trade-offs across multiple vehicle top hats (e.g., SUV, sedan, crossover) for modularity and scalability.
• Coordinate cross-functional input from electrical, thermal, manufacturing, interior/exterior design, and performance teams.
• Collaborate with design studio and product planning to translate brand identity and UX goals into feasible vehicle architectures.
• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and package engineers within the architecture team.
• Conduct and present architecture reviews to program leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Integrate regulatory, homologation, and safety requirements (GSR, FMVSS, NCAP) early in the architectural phase.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or masters in mechanical engineering, Automotive Engineering, or similar.
• 6+ years of experience in vehicle architecture or advanced vehicle concept development, with at least 3 years on EV programs.
• Proven experience developing clean-sheet EV architecture or leading early platform development.
• Strong background in automotive packaging, electric propulsion system integration, and battery module/package configuration.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (CATIA, CAVA, RAMSIS or equivalent) and layout modeling.
• Understanding of vehicle regulatory frameworks, safety structures, and modular architecture planning.
• Skilled in leading small technical teams, project planning, and issue resolution across disciplines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics for non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Experience in zonal architecture, skateboard platforms, or software-defined vehicle layouts.
• Working knowledge of thermal and electrical system packaging.
• Experience in start-up, joint-venture, or global OEM environments.
• Familiarity with systems engineering, MBSE tools, or digital twin concepts.