Motiv Electric Trucks
Electrical Engineering Director – Motiv Electric Trucks
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Motiv is a leading manufacturer of medium‑duty, zero‑emission electric trucks and buses. Motiv produces a range of vehicles—including step vans, shuttle buses, box trucks, and work trucks—that eliminate tailpipe CO₂ emissions and particulate matter while offering drivers and passengers a more comfortable, healthier, and safer ride. Motiv’s combination of operational cost savings and environmental performance helps customers meet increasingly stringent emissions and pollution standards, as well as achieve their own Net‑Zero, ESG, or other climate‑impact pledges and commitments.
Role Summary Motiv is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineering Director to lead the electrical engineering department, focusing on HV/LV systems for Motiv Electric Truck programs. The Director will drive the strategic direction and technical execution of electrical and electronic systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and alignment with the company’s goals.
Responsibilities
Oversee the design and development of electrical systems and components—including wiring, control modules, sensors, and charging infrastructure.
Implement cutting‑edge technology solutions such as electric vehicle powertrains, advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving capabilities.
Ensure electrical systems meet automotive standards and certifications (e.g., ISO 26262, SAE standards), prioritizing safety, reliability, and performance.
Drive innovation within the team by fostering R&D initiatives and staying updated on advancements in automotive electronics, embedded systems, and high‑voltage systems.
Manage the full lifecycle of electrical engineering projects, from concept through design, testing, validation, and production.
Ensure project milestones, timelines, and budgets are met, with regular updates to senior management on project progress.
Collaborate with program management to optimize project prioritization, resource allocation, and risk management.
Serve as the primary point of contact for electrical engineering in discussions with other departments and external partners.
Communicate complex technical information clearly to non‑technical stakeholders, providing guidance on electrical system capabilities and limitations.
Engage in business development activities when necessary, offering technical expertise in customer and partner meetings.
Leadership & Team
Lead and manage a team of electrical engineers, providing mentorship, setting goals, and fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Develop and execute an electrical engineering roadmap aligned with company objectives, product development goals, and emerging automotive trends.
Partner with cross‑functional teams—including product development, software, and mechanical engineering—to ensure seamless integration of electrical components into vehicle designs.
Budget responsibility for the Electrical Engineering Department.
Required Skills & Abilities
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative
Flexible to work in a factory environment on the floor to inspect/troubleshoot
Excellent time‑management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work with minimal supervision while producing high‑quality output in a timely manner
Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment
High level of accuracy; ability to work with tight schedules and ambiguity in a startup environment
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Confident, but not arrogant, “can‑do” attitude and demeanor; delegates when necessary and appropriate; demanding and uncompromising but always fair and equitable, passionate, and driven agent for continuous improvement, change, and success
Should be “hands‑on,” hard‑working, self‑motivated, and, more often than not, self‑directed; should rarely need to be “coached up” and/or redirected
Strong management, administrative, and organizational skills and the ability to multi‑task and stay cool under pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to relate to and work with both internal and external customers, at all levels
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or similar – master’s degree a plus
10+ years of OEM or Tier 1 experience, preferably on HEV, PHEV, or BEV platforms
5+ years of experience in a leadership role with 5+ direct reports
Knowledge of high‑voltage electrical systems
Experience working in a structured engineering process including definition of requirements and objective function, concept creation, market analysis for components, analyzing options, and making final engineering decisions
Experience with Bill of Material and Change Management Systems
Strong knowledge of automotive product development systems and design disciplines
Self‑starting and ready to work with a small team in a fast‑paced environment
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Able to work in shop environments when needed to support physical testing, bench tests and vehicle builds
Flexibility to work in factory environments, wearing PPE
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Salary Range
$195,000.00‑$230,000.00 (Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education and training.)
Benefits & Perks
Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Health & Dependent Care FSA, 401(k), Basic Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life and AD&D, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Education Reimbursement, and more!
Generous PTO policy and 11 Paid Company Holidays
Online, on‑demand Training & Development Programs
Bicycle friendly with bike storage available to all Foster City employees within a 5‑minute walk to the scenic Bay Front
Regular Happy Hours, Company Cultural Events, and more!
Location This position is based in Novi, Michigan.
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Role Summary Motiv is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineering Director to lead the electrical engineering department, focusing on HV/LV systems for Motiv Electric Truck programs. The Director will drive the strategic direction and technical execution of electrical and electronic systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and alignment with the company’s goals.
Responsibilities
Oversee the design and development of electrical systems and components—including wiring, control modules, sensors, and charging infrastructure.
Implement cutting‑edge technology solutions such as electric vehicle powertrains, advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving capabilities.
Ensure electrical systems meet automotive standards and certifications (e.g., ISO 26262, SAE standards), prioritizing safety, reliability, and performance.
Drive innovation within the team by fostering R&D initiatives and staying updated on advancements in automotive electronics, embedded systems, and high‑voltage systems.
Manage the full lifecycle of electrical engineering projects, from concept through design, testing, validation, and production.
Ensure project milestones, timelines, and budgets are met, with regular updates to senior management on project progress.
Collaborate with program management to optimize project prioritization, resource allocation, and risk management.
Serve as the primary point of contact for electrical engineering in discussions with other departments and external partners.
Communicate complex technical information clearly to non‑technical stakeholders, providing guidance on electrical system capabilities and limitations.
Engage in business development activities when necessary, offering technical expertise in customer and partner meetings.
Leadership & Team
Lead and manage a team of electrical engineers, providing mentorship, setting goals, and fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Develop and execute an electrical engineering roadmap aligned with company objectives, product development goals, and emerging automotive trends.
Partner with cross‑functional teams—including product development, software, and mechanical engineering—to ensure seamless integration of electrical components into vehicle designs.
Budget responsibility for the Electrical Engineering Department.
Required Skills & Abilities
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative
Flexible to work in a factory environment on the floor to inspect/troubleshoot
Excellent time‑management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work with minimal supervision while producing high‑quality output in a timely manner
Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment
High level of accuracy; ability to work with tight schedules and ambiguity in a startup environment
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Confident, but not arrogant, “can‑do” attitude and demeanor; delegates when necessary and appropriate; demanding and uncompromising but always fair and equitable, passionate, and driven agent for continuous improvement, change, and success
Should be “hands‑on,” hard‑working, self‑motivated, and, more often than not, self‑directed; should rarely need to be “coached up” and/or redirected
Strong management, administrative, and organizational skills and the ability to multi‑task and stay cool under pressure
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to relate to and work with both internal and external customers, at all levels
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or similar – master’s degree a plus
10+ years of OEM or Tier 1 experience, preferably on HEV, PHEV, or BEV platforms
5+ years of experience in a leadership role with 5+ direct reports
Knowledge of high‑voltage electrical systems
Experience working in a structured engineering process including definition of requirements and objective function, concept creation, market analysis for components, analyzing options, and making final engineering decisions
Experience with Bill of Material and Change Management Systems
Strong knowledge of automotive product development systems and design disciplines
Self‑starting and ready to work with a small team in a fast‑paced environment
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Able to work in shop environments when needed to support physical testing, bench tests and vehicle builds
Flexibility to work in factory environments, wearing PPE
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Salary Range
$195,000.00‑$230,000.00 (Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education and training.)
Benefits & Perks
Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Health & Dependent Care FSA, 401(k), Basic Life and AD&D, Voluntary Life and AD&D, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Education Reimbursement, and more!
Generous PTO policy and 11 Paid Company Holidays
Online, on‑demand Training & Development Programs
Bicycle friendly with bike storage available to all Foster City employees within a 5‑minute walk to the scenic Bay Front
Regular Happy Hours, Company Cultural Events, and more!
Location This position is based in Novi, Michigan.
#J-18808-Ljbffr