Senior Manager – Engineering & OEM Quality Programs

Department: Engineering
Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Automotive / OEM Accessories / Automotive Products
Level: Senior Leadership

Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager – Engineering & OEM Quality Programs to lead the complete end-to-end lifecycle of automotive product development, from concept creation through engineering, validation, manufacturing readiness, and market deployment.

This role requires strong technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems, combined with proven leadership capabilities to manage multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced automotive environment.

The position operates within an OEM-after-OEM business model, where products are developed as distributor-bundled value additions aligned with original vehicle OEM specifications. The role ensures seamless mechanical and electrical integration, zero impact on vehicle warranties, and full compliance with OEM accessory approval processes.

The Head of Engineering will interact directly or indirectly with global vehicle OEMs (Toyota, Nissan, etc.), regional distributors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure products meet quality, cost, and performance targets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Department Management

• Define and execute the strategic direction of the Engineering Department aligned with the company’s OEM-after-OEM product development model.

• Develop and implement engineering processes, procedures, and workflows ensuring efficiency, compliance, and technical excellence.

• Manage engineering budgets and ensure programs are delivered on time and within cost targets.

• Represent Engineering in interactions with senior leadership, OEMs, distributors, suppliers, and international partners.

• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, validation, and design disciplines.

• Promote a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and customer-centric execution.

End-to-End Product Development (A–Z)

• Lead the complete engineering lifecycle including concept, design, simulation, prototyping, DV/PV testing, validation, manufacturing readiness, and product launch.

• Ensure products meet quality, reliability, safety, and OEM alignment standards.

• Remove technical or execution bottlenecks impacting program timelines.

• Ensure engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, ECNs, specifications, and validation reportsmeets internal and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System requirements.

OEM Interface & Accessory Approval Governance

• Act as the primary engineering interface with vehicle OEMs and distributor partners.

• Lead engineering activities aligned with OEM accessory approval processes, including design reviews, validation alignment, and technical documentation.

• Ensure products meet OEM requirements related to mechanical integration, electrical compatibility, and vehicle safety.

• Safeguard OEM brand integrity by ensuring value-added products integrate seamlessly without compromising vehicle reliability or warranty conditions.

• Manage technical escalations involving OEMs, distributors, suppliers, and internal teams.

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Design, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, and Executive Leadership to achieve business objectives.

• Maintain relationships with global suppliers, OEM-aligned manufacturers, and international partners.

• Engage suppliers for prototyping, tooling, manufacturing readiness, PPAP activities, and technical problem resolution.

• Support diversification of the manufacturing footprint beyond China through technical supplier evaluations and capability assessments.

Technical Oversight & Innovation

• Drive innovation through new technologies, product improvements, and engineering optimization initiatives.

• Oversee design across mechanical, electrical, electronic, firmware, and electromechanical systems.

• Ensure compliant electrical integration including power-only architectures and vehicle network interactions (CAN/LIN) where applicable.

• Review and approve CAD/CAE simulations, PCB designs, product architecture decisions, and engineering calculations.

• Define and execute DV/PV validation plans, EMI/EMC requirements, and reliability standards aligned with OEM expectations.

Engineering Program Execution & Risk Management

• Plan and oversee engineering programs ensuring delivery on schedule, within budget, and meeting required quality standards.

• Identify and mitigate technical and program risks throughout the product lifecycle.

• Lead technical design reviews, validation gates, and engineering quality control processes.

• Coordinate closely with Supplier Quality and Quality teams through dotted-line governance supporting audits, PPAP activities, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.

Travel Requirements

Approximately 50% travel, depending on project needs, OEM engagement, supplier visits, and on-site technical inspections.