VP of Engineering en Federal Signal Corporation / Truck Bodies & Equipment International (TBEI)

Are you a strategic technology leader passionate about innovation, manufacturing excellence, and leading high-impact teams?

We’re looking for a Vice President of Engineering to join our leadership team in Homewood, Alabama, and drive the next era of product innovation, smart manufacturing, and post-sale service transformation.

Job Summary:

The Vice President of Engineering is a strategic and innovative leader responsible for driving the development, implementation, and continuous advancement of technology solutions that fuel product innovation, enhance manufacturing efficiency, and elevate post-sale service capabilities. This executive plays a critical role in aligning the company’s technology strategy with business objectives—ensuring long-term competitive advantage through cutting-edge manufacturing processes, scalable product platforms, and world-class service technologies.

 Key Responsibilities:

Product & Customer Issue Management

• Lead cross-functional response to customer product issues, including root cause analysis, resolution strategies, and legal reviews.
• Manage NHTSA campaign reporting and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  
  

Product Development & Lifecycle

• Oversee the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and project management, including quarterly FS reporting and patent activity.
• Drive product design optimization, consolidation, and innovation through advanced R&D and testing capabilities.
  
  

Corporate Engineering Leadership

• Establish and manage corporate engineering knowledge systems and training programs.
• Oversee test lab, product validation systems, and best-practice documentation.
• Champion Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles across the organization.
  
  

Manufacturing Innovation & Council Leadership

• Lead the Manufacturing Council and drive the “Factory of the Future” initiatives, including:
• Product manufacturing site strategy
• Automation and robotics roadmap
• Design for robotic manufacturing
• Additive manufacturing and laser welding technology implementation
  
  

Supply Chain & Outsourcing Support

• Manage product-related supply chain issues with a focus on root cause analysis and resolution.
• Provide strategic oversight for product production outsourcing and vendor collaboration.
  
  

Engineering Processes & Tools

• Collaborate with business units on engineering tools, processes, and systems development.
• Lead enterprise-wide implementation of ECR/ECO processes and change management tools.
• Provide technical engineering support for all operations related to NPI efforts.
  
  

Standardization & Best Practice Sharing

• Identify and standardize best practices across brand product lines to drive cost reduction through design and process improvements.
  
  

People Leadership & Project Execution

• Mentor, develop, and conduct performance reviews for engineering and technical teams.
• Track progress of major projects, ensure adherence to commercialization timelines, and motivate teams to achieve milestones.
• Serve as a key liaison across R&D, engineering, IT, operations, and customer service teams.
• Travel as required to manage projects and support on-site implementation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field required; Master’s or MBA strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering and technology leadership experience, including:

• 10+ years in manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of direct people management experience

• Demonstrated experience managing external engineering resources and integrating global teams.
• Proven success in launching new products annually, setting strategic priorities, and executing long-range product development plans.
• Experience overseeing complex, multi-million-dollar programs delivered on time and within budget.
• Strong background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 80/20, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deep understanding of digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and service lifecycle management (SLM).
• Track record of motivating high-performing teams in matrixed and multi-site environments.
• Excellent business acumen, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Automotive or truck industry experience is a strong plus.
• Ability to travel as needed to facilities and customer locations.