VP of Engineering - AFTERMARKET BRAKING COMPONENTS

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Vice President of Engineering to oversee the product life cycles of brake components from research and development to validation. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills to systematically evaluate information, weigh alternatives, and foresee the consequences of decisions, making them adept at solving complex problems efficiently. This role requires a strong commitment to delivering world-class customer service and demonstrating excellent leadership capabilities, fostering a collaborative team environment while also being able to work independently. A forward-thinking approach is essential, driving continuous improvement across engineering activities including product, process, and quality enhancements.

Must Have

• Lead development and execution of engineering strategy and long-term planning.
• Oversee product life cycles of brake components from R&D to validation.
• Provide leadership to product directors/managers.
• Ensure product life cycle management is effective in all product categories.
• Monitor customer feedback and warranty trends for product improvement.
• Collaborate with operations, sales & marketing, and quality departments.
• Understand automotive aftermarket (NA, SA, Europe) for brake pad components and rotor.
• Identify market requirements for current and future products.
• Develop technology roadmaps and product family concepts.
• Lead R&D and GRIE engineering teams to develop/implement friction materials.
• Strong organization and analytical skills.
• Commitment to world-class customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a team environment and work independently.
• Willingness to adopt new ideas/skills and drive continuous improvement.
• Self-starter with a positive attitude, able to challenge status quo and brainstorm.
• (BS, MS, PhD) in Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in automotive engineering component design/development.
• 10+ years of experience in managing an engineering group.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
• 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match.
• Career Advancement Program, training and development.
• Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Voluntary Life / AD&D, Employer Provided Life/AD&D.
• And More.

Company Description

If you're looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you've found it. Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent graduate, or somewhere in between, MAT Holdings is where you can apply your skills, learn new ones, and make a real impact.

With more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries and over 40 locations worldwide, MAT offers exciting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more. Headquartered in Long Grove, IL, our global footprint includes 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space and 40+ factories across three continents.

At MAT, we don’t just make things happen—we ensure it happens with excellence. From engineering and logistics to marketing and customer service, we maintain consistent expertise across the entire supply chain. Join us and be part of a team where your creativity and contributions help shape the future of global manufacturing.

Benefits

• MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
• 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
• Career Advancement Program, training and development
• Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Voluntary Life / AD&D , Employer Provided Life/AD&D
• and More

Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Vice President of Engineering to oversee the product life cycles of brake components from research and development to validation. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills to systematically evaluate information, weigh alternatives, and foresee the consequences of decisions, making them adept at solving complex problems efficiently.

This role requires a strong commitment to delivering world-class customer service by anticipating customer needs and ensuring that our products and services exceed expectations. The VP of Engineering will demonstrate excellent leadership capabilities, fostering a collaborative team environment while also being able to work independently with minimal supervision.

A forward-thinking approach is essential, as the successful candidate will be encouraged to embrace new ideas and skills, driving continuous improvement across engineering activities including product, process, and quality enhancements. A proactive attitude is crucial, with a confidence in asking questions and challenging the status quo to facilitate innovative problem-solving among peers.

If you are a self-starter with a positive outlook and a passion for engineering excellence, we invite you to apply for this pivotal leadership position

Principle Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategy and long-term planning necessary within the engineering team to achieve product development, R&D, Quality goals, and business objectives
• Effectively execute product vision for product development and engineering departments. Including rotors, friction, and associated brake hardware and components.
• Provide leadership to product directors/managers, ensure all projects are prioritized in alignment with business goals, facilitate between business drivers and team’s ability to deliver solution
• Ensure product life cycle management is well established and effective in all product categories. Closely monitor customer feedback and warranty trends to identify opportunities to improve product offerings. Strategically support business goals and objectives
• Work closely with other departments, especially operation, sales & marketing, and quality, and collaborate with appropriate functional teams to ensure strategic synergies among all products
• Understand the automotive aftermarket (including NA, SA, and Europe) for brake pad components and rotor, identify/specify market requirements for current and future products, work with sales and program management teams, and develop product marketing solutions from strategic planning to tactical activities
• Develop technology roadmaps and product family concepts, lead R&D and GRIE engineering teams to develop/implement friction materials for all range of vehicle applications

Qualifications

Competencies

• Strong organization skills and understanding of the skill levels required to manage brake components’ product life cycles, from R&D, product design, development, and validation.
• Problem solver with strong analytical skills, able to apply careful and systematic evaluation of information, possible alternatives, and consequences.
• Strong commitment to providing world-class customer service, anticipating customer needs, and designing, promoting, or supporting the delivery of products and services that exceed their expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead well in a team environment, take initiative, work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision, and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Willingness to adopt new ideas/skills, able to drive continuous improvement among engineering activities – product, process, quality
• A self-starter with a positive attitude, willingness to ask questions and challenge the status quo, and ability to brainstorm and collaboratively solve discrete problems with peers.

Education/Experience:

• (BS, MS, PhD) in Engineering
• 15+ years of experience in automotive engineering component design/development
• 10+ years of experience in managing an engineering group

The posted salary range for this position is $200,000 to $250,000 annually, plus bonus. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.