Manager, Component Engineering
About The Position
Quantum Fuel Systems is engineering the future of alternative fuel solutions. For over 25 years, we've been at the forefront of clean energy innovation, designing, developing, and delivering industry-leading storage systems and transport trailers for compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Based in Lake Forest, California, we're driving clean energy forward by helping our partners meet ambitious net-zero targets with safe, reliable, and sustainable solutions. Our product line includes next-generation fuel storage systems for commercial vehicles and virtual pipeline trailers that offer industry-leading capacity with advanced composite technology. We are seeking a talented and innovative Manager, Component Engineering to join our team. This role leads a small team of mechanical engineers and is responsible for both the technical direction and people management of the group. This role will be pivotal in the development of new products, improvement of existing designs, and support of system design activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, proven experience leading or supervising engineering staff, experience with alternative fuel systems or related industries, and a passion for creating cutting-edge solutions that advance safety and performance in the alternative fuel sector and gas transportation. Additionally, this role will involve preparing specifications for hydrogen and CNG vehicle and transportation components and working with internal and external customers to design and configure components for various applications. This role will also design, develop, test, and integrate high-pressure gaseous fuel components and systems for CNG and hydrogen automotive, truck, and virtual pipeline applications. Due to the hands-on nature of this role and need for close collaboration with our production team, this position is 100% onsite at our Lake Forest, CA headquarters.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering + 5 years’ experience.
- Gaseous component design experience.
- Minimum 2 years in a supervisory, lead, or people-management capacity required.
- Strong ability to simplify complex technical topics for any audience, adjusting communication style based on the listener's level of technical understanding.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree is a plus.
- Product development with high pressure components.
- High pressure (hydrogen, CNG) component design.
- High pressure gaseous fuel products experience.
- High pressure pneumatic or hydraulic design.
- Developing and implementing test procedures.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials selection (e.g. knowledge of material compatibility issues with hydrogen and natural gas), and manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of automotive industry standards and regulations related to alternative fuel systems and safety devices.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Software: CAD (NX Unigraphics preferred).
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM) concepts.
- Familiar with control plans, FMEA, and GD&T.
- Experience managing competing priorities across several projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to build a positive, accountable team culture.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop the component engineering team: setting goals, managing performance, and growing their job knowledge.
- Plan and prioritize team workload, project assignments, and resource allocation to meet program timelines.
- Represent the component engineering team in cross-functional and leadership meetings, communicating project status, risks, and resource needs.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative designs for alternative fuel safety products (e.g. long-trigger thermally activated pressure relief devices), compressed natural gas and hydrogen systems, and bulk haul systems.
- Lead high-pressure component design / development activities, feasibility studies, and risk assessments to ensure product functionality, safety, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Generate and support design activities: DFMEA, ADVP&R, etc.
- Generate and oversee or perform product verification / validation testing.
- Perform analytic calculations, e.g., load and flow calculations.
- Apply a systematic and logical approach to engineering and design processes.
- Prepare specifications for hydrogen and CNG vehicle and transportation components for various market segments.
- Work with internal and external customers to select and configure components for applications, providing technical support and expertise as needed.
- Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation in design processes.
- Strong communication (verbal and written) and documentation skills.
- Adopt and implement Quality Assurance Procedures-QAP and Departmental Work Instructions-DWI.
Benefits
- Health care plans (medical, dental & vision) - choose from 2 HMO and 2 PPO medical plans
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Retirement plan (401k) with company match
- Life insurance (basic, voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid time off (vacation, sick & selected holidays)
- Family leave (maternity/paternity)
- Short & long term disability plans
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
