Lead, Engineering Fleet Operations
About The Position
The Engineering Fleet Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the engineering vehicle fleet. This includes vehicle receiving and handover, logistics coordination, benchmark vehicle management, and full ownership of import/export documentation. The role ensures vehicles are properly tracked, compliant, and available to support engineering, testing, and validation activities. Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following: Fleet Operations Execution Own daily operations of the engineering fleet across all locations with full accountability for performance and readiness Maintain real-time visibility of vehicle status (location, configuration, readiness, compliance) Ensure fleet availability aligns with engineering, test, and validation timelines Diagnose and resolve complex operational issues independently, balancing competing priorities Serve as the primary escalation point and trusted expert for fleet-related matters Vehicle Receiving & Handover Lead vehicle intake and release processes for prototype, pre-series, and external vehicles Define and enforce standardized check-in/check-out procedures, including condition documentation Ensure vehicles meet configuration, documentation, and readiness requirements prior to handover Coordinate and optimize internal handovers between engineering, validation, test, and events teams Benchmark Vehicle Management Own the lifecycle management of benchmark and competitor vehicles Coordinate acquisition, registration, compliance, and tracking Prioritize and allocate fleet usage to maximize engineering value and insights Ensure proper storage, maintenance, and documentation standards are met Monitor utilization trends and recommend improvements to optimize fleet effectiveness Logistics & Vehicle Movement Strategically plan and execute domestic and international vehicle transportation Oversee logistics providers across road, ocean, and air freight channels Manage time-critical and high-priority shipments supporting engineering milestones and test campaigns Optimize transport routes, cost, and timing while mitigating operational risks Import / Export & Compliance Own end-to-end import/export processes for all engineering vehicles Apply expert knowledge to prepare and manage complex customs documentation (e.g., carnets, temporary imports, exemptions) Ensure full regulatory compliance across regions and proactively address changing requirements Partner with customs brokers, legal, and compliance teams to resolve escalations quickly and effectively Documentation & Tracking Maintain accurate records of vehicle status, movement, and ownership Track VINs, prototype IDs, and regulatory status Ensure all vehicles have proper documentation (insurance, permits, test approvals) Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate closely with Engineering, V&V, Prototype Builds, Logistics, and Procurement Interface with external proving grounds, test agencies, and transport partners Support test campaigns (e.g., winter testing, ride & drive events)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Logistics, or Operations
- 12+ years of experience in fleet operations, automotive logistics, or prototype vehicle management
- Strong experience with vehicle logistics, shipping, and customs processes
- Hands-on experience with vehicle handling in an engineering or test environment
- Highly execution-focused with strong ownership mindset
- Structured and detail-oriented (especially documentation & compliance)
- Strong coordination and stakeholder management
- Ability to work under time pressure and resolve operational issues quickly
- Pragmatic, hands-on approach with “get it done” mentality
Nice To Haves
- Experience in prototype / pre-series vehicle environments
- Familiarity with import/export regulations (EU, US, or global automotive logistics)
- Experience managing benchmark fleets or competitor vehicles
- Knowledge of automotive compliance and homologation basics
Responsibilities
- Own daily operations of the engineering fleet across all locations with full accountability for performance and readiness
- Maintain real-time visibility of vehicle status (location, configuration, readiness, compliance)
- Ensure fleet availability aligns with engineering, test, and validation timelines
- Diagnose and resolve complex operational issues independently, balancing competing priorities
- Serve as the primary escalation point and trusted expert for fleet-related matters
- Lead vehicle intake and release processes for prototype, pre-series, and external vehicles
- Define and enforce standardized check-in/check-out procedures, including condition documentation
- Ensure vehicles meet configuration, documentation, and readiness requirements prior to handover
- Coordinate and optimize internal handovers between engineering, validation, test, and events teams
- Own the lifecycle management of benchmark and competitor vehicles
- Coordinate acquisition, registration, compliance, and tracking
- Prioritize and allocate fleet usage to maximize engineering value and insights
- Ensure proper storage, maintenance, and documentation standards are met
- Monitor utilization trends and recommend improvements to optimize fleet effectiveness
- Strategically plan and execute domestic and international vehicle transportation
- Oversee logistics providers across road, ocean, and air freight channels
- Manage time-critical and high-priority shipments supporting engineering milestones and test campaigns
- Optimize transport routes, cost, and timing while mitigating operational risks
- Own end-to-end import/export processes for all engineering vehicles
- Apply expert knowledge to prepare and manage complex customs documentation (e.g., carnets, temporary imports, exemptions)
- Ensure full regulatory compliance across regions and proactively address changing requirements
- Partner with customs brokers, legal, and compliance teams to resolve escalations quickly and effectively
- Maintain accurate records of vehicle status, movement, and ownership
- Track VINs, prototype IDs, and regulatory status
- Ensure all vehicles have proper documentation (insurance, permits, test approvals)
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, V&V, Prototype Builds, Logistics, and Procurement
- Interface with external proving grounds, test agencies, and transport partners
- Support test campaigns (e.g., winter testing, ride & drive events)
Benefits
- Competitive insurance including: Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
- 401(k) program with: An employer match and immediate vesting
- Generous Paid Time Off including: 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
- 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
- Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
- Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave
- Pay Transparency
- Annual performance bonus program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
