HARMAN’s engineers and designers are creative, purposeful and agile. As part of this team, you’ll combine your technical expertise with innovative ideas to help drive cutting-edge solutions in the car, enterprise and connected ecosystem. Every day, you will push the boundaries of creative design, and HARMAN is committed to providing you with the opportunities, innovative technologies and resources to build a successful career.

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do everyday.

About the Role

As the Director of Pre-Development, Car Audio, you will be responsible for a team leading all predevelopments and global business pursuit activities for our Japan OEM customers (such as Toyota, Subaru, Honda/Acura, Denso, etc.) as well as acquiring new Japan based customers (such as Mazda, Nissan, etc.) for Car Audio products.

Your Team

In this role, you will directly manage RFQ / pre-development team supporting Car Audio business development for all current Japan OEM customers as well as acquisition of new Japan based customers. The total headcount responsibility for this role is approximately ~9-15 engineers & program managers located in Japan, China and Novi, and if applicable, in other sites supporting those activities.

What You Will Do

Work with Japan based CBUs on Car Audio business development activities, supporting the technical / program activities to achieve business growth.Lead the Pre-development team, working closely with the CBUs, EPIC, Engineering, and the Global Product Management teams to mature new technologies and systems for next generation vehicle packaging / design.Drive Japan OEM Car Audio RFQ responses and pre-development strategyAlign Japan OEM product strategy w/ internal platform / product strategy and ensure voice of customer is incorporated into corporate strategyProvide technical leadership to a growing group of engineers and technical support cross functionally to drive sales, branding, and business development.Keep abreast of and incorporate the latest developments in technology and best practices in relation to product design, development, modeling / analysis, and materials.

What You Need

BS in Engineering. Master’s or PhD preferred.Minimum of 8 years automotive engineering or business development experience. 5 years’ experience in technical management preferred, including experience working in a cross functional and global team.Significant knowledge and experience in audio products and a broad engineering background.Understanding of world-class best practice in product development and audio engineering.  Current understanding of emerging technologies in the area of Audio engineering and design.Working knowledge of the Japan OEM customers’ expectations and requirements. Expertise with the specific OEMs – Toyota, Honda, and Subaru is required.  Prefer 6+ years’ experience.Proven experience leading cross functional teams.Communicate effectively on a global basis.

What is Nice to Have

Results-Driven:  Having a proactive, goal-oriented approach to decision making.

Demonstrates a proactive and collaborative approach to troubleshooting and problem solving.Capable of handling multiple projects / initiatives simultaneously and executing to completion.

Team Player: Having respect for colleagues; leading teams with clarity and accountability.

Proven team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who can effectively work with all levels of a global matrixed organization.Accepts overall accountability.Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and best practices with teammates.

Change Orientation:  Able to adapt to changing demands and conditions.

Proven ambassador of change and relentless pursuit of results and excellence.Drives organizational change through designed interventions to deliver overall business goals and cultural alignment.Act as a change management expert and enabler on various projects and programs across the business.

Customer Focus:  Providing exceptional service and quality to external and internal customer.

Ensures Engineering function adopts a customer service philosophy for all stakeholders.Offers the highest level of service to Executives and other leaders.

Self-Awareness:  Accepting responsibility for personal development and actions.

Have clear objectives and strives to exceed them.Takes ownership for personal career and skill development.

What Makes You Eligible

Be willing to travel up to 30%, domestic and international travelSuccessfully complete a background investigation/Aptitude Test as a condition of employment.

What We Offer

We offer an authentic diverse, equal, and inclusive work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development in a truly global organization.You will work on products and services that touch people’s lives and will change the industrial standards, being a part of the transformations in our industry.Our work environments are fast paced, challenging, empowering, collaborative, flexible and exciting.We offer our own HARMAN University with regular updates on the new technologies and trends by utilizing various sessions organized by Self Learning and Development Trainings to help grow and advance talent.We offer competitive compensation/benefit programs and recognition programs.

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HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.