Director, Pre-Development

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.

A Career at HARMAN Automotive
We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career. 

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience 
• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment 

About the Role
As the Director of Pre-Development, 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.

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 strategy
• Align Japan OEM product strategy w/ internal platform / product strategy and ensure voice of customer is incorporated into corporate strategy
• Provide 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 to Be Successful

• BS in Engineering. Master’s or PhD preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years automotive electronics engineering
• Customer facing experience gained through business development / sales / RFQ experience.
• 5 years’ experience in technical management such as program team management or engineering management.
• Significant knowledge and experience in automotive electronics products and a broad engineering background.
• Working knowledge of the Japan OEM customers’ expectations and requirements. 
• Expertise with the Japan OEMs.  Prefer 6+ years’ experience.
• Proven experience leading global cross functional teams.
• Communicate effectively on a global basis.

Bonus Points if You Have 

• Understanding of world-class best practice in product development and audio engineering. 

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel up to 30%, domestic and international travel

What We Offer 

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location 
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program 
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

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.