Overview
Head of engineering (Automotive) Jobs in United Arab Emirates at Business Umbrella – Recruitment, Training, Consulting, Licensing Healthcare Education Real estate
Title: Head of engineering (Automotive)
Company: Business Umbrella – Recruitment, Training, Consulting, Licensing Healthcare Education Real estate
Location: United Arab Emirates
Head of Engineering
The Head of Engineering is responsible for leading the end-to-end lifecycle (A–Z) of automotive product development—covering concept creation, design, engineering, prototyping, DV/PV testing, certification, manufacturing readiness, and market launch. This role requires strong technical expertise across mechanical and electronic systems, combined with strategic leadership, project execution excellence, and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced automotive environment.
The Head of Engineering ensures that all products meet customer requirements, OEM standards, cost targets, manufacturing needs, and company business objectives, while complying with international quality systems and fostering innovation.
Strategic Leadership & Department Management
• 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).
• Develop and implement engineering processes, procedures, and workflows to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Manage the engineering budget and ensure projects are delivered on time and within cost constraints.
• Represent the Engineering Department to senior management, customers, international partners, and external stakeholders.
• Empower the engineering team by promoting a culture of excellence, accountability, ownership, and customer-centricity.
• Hire, train, mentor, and build engineering talent across mechanical, electronic, and validation teams.
2. End-to-End Product Development (A–Z)
• Oversee the complete engineering process from concept, design, simulation, and prototyping to DV/PV testing, validation, manufacturing readiness, and deployment.
• Ensure all engineering projects meet the highest standards of quality, safety, performance, and reliability.
• Take necessary and timely actions to remove obstacles and ensure project delivery targets are achieved.
• Ensure engineering documentation (drawings, BOMs, ECNs, specs, test reports) meets internal and external requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements.
3. Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Design, Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and the General Manager to achieve company objectives.
• Maintain high standards of collaboration with global brands, OEM / Aftermarketpartners, and acquired international companies to jointly execute engineering programs.
• Engage suppliers for prototyping, tooling, manufacturing, PPAP, testing, and technical problem resolution.
4. Technical Oversight & Innovation
• Lead innovation initiatives and drive new engineering concepts, technologies, and product improvements.
• Demonstrate an innovative, proactive, and “we can do it” attitude when handling new engineering challenges.
• Oversee hardware, firmware, mechanical, and electromechanical design across all product lines.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, CAD/CAE simulations, PCB designs, and product architecture decisions.
• Ensure DV/PV test plans, EMI/EMC requirements, and reliability standards are properly defined and executed.
5. Engineering Project Execution & Risk Management
• Plan, design, and oversee engineering projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and with the expected quality and reliability.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate technical risks at all stages of development.
• Ensure validation (DV/PV), field testing, and certification activities are performed to automotive standards.
• Lead technical reviews, design gates, and engineering quality control processes.
6.Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System requirement
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive, Mechatronics, or related engineering field.
• 15- 20 years of experience in automotive engineering, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership or department head role.
• Proven track record of delivering complex projects from concept to mass production.
Technical Expertise
• Extensive experience in automotive product design, engineering, and development across mechanical and electronic systems.
• Proficiency in CAD modeling (Reverse Engineering, Catia, 3D Experience, Solid Works), CAE analysis, mechanical engineering, manufacturing processes, electronics hardware design, and DFM/DFA principles.
• Experience with hardware/firmware design, test methods, and post-launch technical support.
• Strong background in manufacturing processes, industrialization, and product costing.
Leadership & Communication / Quality & Compliance
• Strong leadership skills with proven success managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, suppliers, international partners, and OEM / Aftermarket customers.
• Knowledge and experience working under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Strong understanding of automotive standards, certification, DV/PV testing, and reliability engineering.
