Head of Engineering-Automotive-Dubai, UAE

Description

• Engineering Project Execution & Risk Management
• Innovative Leader: Must lead the team in exploring cutting-edge technologies and applying innovative engineering solutions to design high-quality, next-generation automotive products.
• Ensure all engineering projects meet the highest standards of quality, safety, performance, and reliability.
• Ensure DV/PV test plans, EMI/EMC requirements, and reliability standards are properly defined and executed.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System requirement
• Lead technical reviews, design gates, and engineering quality control processes.
• Empower the engineering team by promoting a culture of excellence, accountability, ownership, and customer-centricity.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements.
• Maintain high standards of collaboration with global brands, OEM / Aftermarket partners, and acquired international companies to jointly execute engineering programs.
• Ensure engineering documentation (drawings, BOMs, ECNs, specs, test reports) meets internal and external requirements.
• Represent the Engineering Department to senior management, customers, international partners, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure validation (DV/PV), field testing, and certification activities are performed to automotive standards.
• Hire, train, mentor, and build engineering talent across mechanical, electronic, and validation teams.
• Manage the engineering budget and ensure projects are delivered on time and within cost constraints.
• Lead innovation initiatives and drive new engineering concepts, technologies, and product improvements.
• Mentorship: Actively engages in mentoring senior engineers and developing talent within the team. Helps nurture the next generation of engineering leaders and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Develop and implement engineering processes, procedures, and workflows to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Transparency: Promotes transparency in decision-making processes, ensuring that ethical considerations are at the forefront of all engineering decisions, from materials sourcing to manufacturing practices.
• Oversee hardware, firmware, mechanical, and electromechanical design across all product lines.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate technical risks at all stages of development.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, CAD/CAE simulations, PCB designs, and product architecture decisions.
• Oversee the complete engineering process from concept, design, simulation, and prototyping to DV/PV testing, validation, manufacturing readiness, and deployment.
• Set the strategic direction for the Engineering Department and ensure alignment with the company’s overall goals and OEM-aftermarket business model (Fast, Easy, Plug & Play, Simple)
• Collaborative Nature: Works closely with other departments, including manufacturing, procurement, design, and quality assurance. Ensures alignment between engineering and other key business functions.
• Engage suppliers for prototyping, tooling, manufacturing, PPAP, testing, and technical problem resolution.
• Plan, design, and oversee engineering projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and with the expected quality and reliability.
• Take necessary and timely actions to remove obstacles and ensure project delivery targets are achieved.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Design, Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and the General Manager to achieve company objectives.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of automotive standards, certification, DV/PV testing, and reliability engineering.
• Critical Thinking: Needs to have exceptional problem-solving skills, able to analyze complex technical challenges, identify root causes, and devise effective, efficient solutions.
• Focus on User Experience: Understands that engineering decisions directly impact the customer. A strong sense of empathy for the end-user and a focus on designing products that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, suppliers, international partners, and OEM / Aftermarket customers.
• Clear and Effective Communication: The ability to clearly articulate complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including senior management, marketing, and external partners.
• Strong Communicator
• Persuasive Negotiator: Skilled in negotiating resources, timelines, and project scope, both internally and with external partners (suppliers, contractors, etc.), to ensure engineering goals are met.
• Impressive Personality: Commands respect through both competence and character. Their presence is inspiring and influential, making them a natural leader in both internal and external interactions.
• Strong Ethical Compass: Demonstrates integrity in all aspects of work, ensuring that all engineering practices and product designs meet safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Adaptable & Resilient
• Decisive Decision-Maker: The role requires making critical decisions under pressure. The ability to evaluate data, consider long-term impacts, and make confident, informed decisions is key.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitive to working with diverse teams and suppliers around the world, ensuring smooth collaboration across borders and respecting cultural differences in both design and business practices.
• Positive Attitude: Brings a positive energy to the workplace, motivating teams even during challenging periods and helping maintain morale.
• Results-Oriented: Focused on delivering outcomes. A strong track record of leading engineering teams to successfully launch automotive products on time and within budget, while meeting or exceeding performance standards.
• Flexible in a Fast-Paced Environment: The automotive industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. The Head of Engineering should be adaptable to market changes, technological advances, and evolving consumer needs.
• Relationship Builder: Establishes and maintains strong relationships with external suppliers, partners, and technical collaborators. Able to work with a variety of stakeholders to drive product development forward.
• Confidence: A charismatic leader who inspires confidence in their team and stakeholders. Able to make difficult decisions with certainty and conviction.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive, Mechatronics, or related engineering field.
• Strong leadership skills with proven success managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Customer-First Mindset: Continuously strives to deliver products that exceed customer expectations in terms of performance, safety, and sustainability.
• Proficiency in CAD modelling (Reverse Engineering, Catia, 3D Experience, Solid Works), CAE analysis, mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, electronics hardware design, and DFM/DFA principles.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Uses data, testing, and simulations to inform design and engineering choices. Comfortable with quantitative and qualitative data to ensure that engineering decisions align with product goals.
• Experience with hardware/firmware design, test methods, and post-launch technical support.
• Problem-Solver & Analytical Thinker
• 15- 20 years of experience in automotive engineering, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership or department head role.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong background in manufacturing processes, industrialization, and product costing.
• Forward-Thinking: The ideal candidate should have a clear vision for the future of automotive technology and product development. They must anticipate trends in the industry (e.g., electric vehicles, autonomous driving, connectivity) and align engineering strategies with long-term goals.
• Expert in Automotive Engineering: In-depth knowledge of automotive product development, from concept to production. Proficiency in engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering.
• Knowledge and experience working under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Global Mindset & Cultural Sensitivity
• Proven track record of delivering complex projects from concept to mass production.
• Confidence in Leadership: The Head of Engineering should exude confidence, with a strong presence that commands respect. Able to take calculated risks and lead the team through uncertainty while maintaining a positive outlook.
• Extensive experience in OEMS automotive product design, engineering, and development across mechanical and electronic systems.
• Inspirational Leader: The Head of Engineering should be a strong, confident leader who inspires and motivates diverse teams. Their leadership style should be collaborative, encouraging cross-functional teams (R&D, production, quality assurance, etc.) to work together toward common objectives.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance