Physical Architecture & Concepts Engineering – Programs Architect

Position Summary

The Programs Architect plays a pivotal role in designing and developing next-generation vehicles that comply with future regulatory standards while exceeding competitive customer expectations. Operating at the intersection of early-stage program planning and production readiness, this position is responsible for vehicle architecture, packaging, initial system concepts, and component design.

As a Programs Architect, you will lead an extended cross-functional team during the program planning phase (concept to program approval) to translate strategic objectives into precise technical requirements, resolve physical and functional packaging challenges, and present optimized design concepts to senior executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vehicle Architecture & System Integration

• Concept to Approval Execution: Establish physical and functional integration of vehicle systems and components during early-stage program planning phases.
• Packaging & Adaptation: Create, analyze, and resolve packaging, clearance, and adaptation issues as vehicle concepts transition into production.
• Requirement Translation: Translate high-level strategic, regulatory, and functional objectives into concrete engineering and technical requirements.
• Design Optimization: Generate alternative design concepts, balance competing engineering constraints, and optimize vehicle integration for performance, quality, and manufacturability.

2. Advanced CAD & Digital Mockup Management

• CAD Data Structure: Develop and manage corporate pre-production and production CAD data structures using Teamcenter, NX CAD, and Vis Mockup.
• Design Analysis: Manipulate 3D models, perform section cuts, evaluate existing designs, and assess space claims for major vehicle subsystems.
• Executive Review Prep: Build specialized CAD sessions and visual packages to facilitate detailed engineering reviews and high-level management decision-making.

3. Competitive Benchmarking & Research

• Analyze and benchmark competitive vehicles to identify industry trends, technical solutions, and performance targets.
• Integrate stakeholder feedback and market insights into final vehicle design proposals.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication

• Lead multi-disciplinary workgroups across global regions to resolve architectural issues, align technical priorities, and drive consensus.
• Synthesize technical trade-offs and present complex engineering concepts clearly to all levels of leadership.

Qualifications & Competencies

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET-accredited program.

• Experience: 5+ years of vehicle engineering experience in one or more core vehicle domains:

  • Body-in-White (BIW)
  • Electrical Systems
  • Interior Systems
  • Powertrain Adaptations
  • Engine Systems (Cooling, Fuel, Exhaust)
  • Chassis Systems

• Technical Software Skills: Expertise in NX CAD, Teamcenter, and Vis Mockup with demonstrated capability to manage CAD data structures, perform digital mockup analysis, and model complex assemblies.

• Productivity Tools: Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

• Core Competencies: Proven ability to operate independently, drive results, and collaborate effectively within matrixed cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: Master of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Domain Knowledge: Broad, holistic understanding of complete vehicle architecture and systems integration.
• Executive Presence: Outstanding presentation skills with a track record of successfully pitching concepts to senior leadership.
• Change Management: Strong relationship-building skills and a demonstrated ability to productively manage change in a dynamic environment.