VP Engineering - EV / AV charging , Automotive Systems

Our client located in Irvine CA is a leader within the EV / AV charging industry. They are seeking a VP of Engineering to help take them to new height as they continue to grow their engineering teams.

This position will require you to be onsite 4-5 days a week in the Irvine office location.

The Vice President of Engineering will lead all engineering functions, from vehicle architecture to software development, to deliver a revolutionary electric and autonomous vehicle. Reporting to the CEO or CTO, this role requires a visionary leader with a proven track record of bringing complex, hardware-dependent products from concept through to high-volume manufacturing. The VP will build, lead, and mentor a world-class engineering organization, define and execute the technical roadmap, and foster a culture of technical excellence and rapid innovation.
Essential duties and responsibilities

• Engineering strategy and vision: Develop and execute a comprehensive engineering strategy and technical roadmap that aligns with the company's business goals and product vision for EV and AV platforms.
• Team leadership and development:
  • Recruit, mentor, and lead a large, multi-disciplinary engineering team covering software, hardware, systems, and vehicle integration.
  • Define the organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities for the engineering department.
  • Foster a high-performance culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Product development oversight:
  • Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for vehicle systems, including electric powertrains, autonomous systems, body structures, and vehicle integration.
  • Manage the architecture, design, and implementation of complex, embedded software and hardware systems for both EV and AV functions.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous engineering best practices, quality standards, and risk management protocols.
• Cross-functional collaboration:
  • Work closely with product management, design, operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure engineering priorities are aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Communicate technical strategy and progress to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Budget and resource management:
  • Develop and manage the engineering department's budget, including resources, personnel, and capital expenditures.
  • Allocate technical and personnel resources to projects efficiently to meet deadlines and company milestones.
• Compliance and safety:
  • Ensure all vehicle designs and systems comply with federal, state, and international safety and environmental regulations (e.g., FMVSS).
  • Oversee validation and testing programs to ensure the quality, reliability, and safety of vehicle systems.

Required qualifications

• Experience:
  • 10+ years of engineering leadership experience, with a proven track record of managing large, high-performing teams.
  • Experience bringing complex, hardware-dependent products to market at scale.
  • Direct experience with either electric vehicles (powertrain, batteries, vehicle integration) or autonomous vehicle technology (perception, control, systems architecture).
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, or Computer Science). A Master's degree is preferred.
• Technical skills:
  • Deep understanding of modern EV and AV technologies and the industry landscape.
  • Expertise in product development, from concept and CAD design to validation and production launch.
  • Proficiency in modern software development, including embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and systems integration.
• Leadership skills: Exceptional strategic thinking, project management, and communication skills.
• Attributes: A "builder and maker" mindset with a passion for disruptive innovation.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with a startup or a high-growth technology company.
• Direct experience with both EV and AV systems.
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and other relevant automotive industry standards.
• Experience using AI/ML applications in design, manufacturing, or vehicle systems.

The Offer

• 220-250K Base Salary
• potential bonuses based on personal and company performance
• 401K
• full health, medical, dental vision benefis

Motion Recruitment Partners