Engineering Manager

DescriptionEnthusiast Auto Holdings (EAH) is a highly successful e-commerce company in the automotive aftermarket parts industry. EAH goes to market via nine enthusiast focused websites (banners) - ECS Tuning, Turner Motorsport, Pelican Parts, Rennline, Texas Speed & Performance, Z1 Motorsports, Z1 Off-Road, RCI Off-Road and EVANNEX. EAH serves automotive enthusiast customers who are passionate about how their vehicle looks and performs, by providing the parts, content, knowledge and support to make their vehicle come to life. We also serve a global network of specialty installer shops that solve for customers looking for a "Do it For Me" option. EAH’s leadership team has delivered strong organic growth with market-leading profitability. EAH has also completed multiple acquisitions and plans continued expansion of its served markets via acquisition.EAH is owned and supported by Cortec Group, a premier private equity firm. Cortec has invested millions of dollars to expand EAH’s operations, facilities, technology, and leadership. Among other investments, EAH has recently completed a significant facility expansion at its primary distribution center and is in the process of implementing enterprise-level ERP / WMS / OMS systems.RCI Off Road, headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, is a premier manufacturer of aftermarket truck and SUV accessories. We are deeply committed to our craft and take pride in engineering innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations. Every product we create is meticulously designed and rigorously tested to ensure quality, durability, and performance.We are currently seeking an Engineering Manager for our Loveland facility. This full-time role reports directly to the President and has a dotted-line relationship to the EAH’s Center of Excellence for R&D, enabling collaboration on innovation and process improvements. The position offers competitive compensation.Position DescriptionThe ideal candidate will be an off-roading and/or overlanding enthusiast with strong leadership skills, excellent verbal and written communication, and a solid mechanical aptitude. They should thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability team environment, resolving challenges with a positive, proactive attitude and a bias for action.We are looking for someone with strong attention to detail, logical problem-solving skills, and a continuous drive to raise the bar. A self-motivated team player who can identify tasks, adapt quickly, and implement changes effectively will excel in this role.Additionally, the ideal candidate will be highly organized, with a natural ability for planning, delegation, and follow-through, both individually and in holding others accountable to the same standard. They should also have the ability to leverage the EAH Center of Excellence for R&D to drive innovation and improve processes.ResponsibilitiesTalent Management:Build and lead a team of design engineers, shop technicians, and technical writers, in collaboration with marketing and sales.Partner with the leadership team to drive change and improve company culture.Oversee management and associate training/development to enhance competencies.Coach, mentor, and create a challenging yet rewarding work environment.Build and sustain a collaborative team environment within the product development group, leveraging it to foster a healthy culture.Collaborate with the Vice President of Research and Development at EAH to drive staff growth and career developmentCreativity & InclusionFoster an environment of openness to new product ideas from multiple channels (marketing, sales, wholesales team members).Encourage and promote innovative and daring solutions to challenges.Take ownership of problem-solving and execution with a bias for action, especially when opportunities arise across the organization.Product Pipeline & RoadmapBuild, execute, and report on the product roadmap in weekly cadence with the Head of R&D and the EAH marketing team.Drive accountability across all personnel responsible for delivering the roadmap.Collaborate across a matrixed organization, including sales, marketing, and operations, to align on targets and objectives.Make data-driven decisions on new products while maintaining a strong connection to the enthusiast community.Engage with customers to identify market trends and opportunities, with a focus on off-roading and overlanding.Establish foundational elements before engineering begins (vehicle sourcing, financials, specifications, scheduling).Influence and partner with manufacturing to support rapid prototyping and accelerate time to market.Maintain a balance of new product creation, line expansion, and select halo products.Keep stakeholders engaged and informed to ensure clarity and visibility of vision and strategy. Product LifecycleDrive the creation of engineered goods, in-house manufactured and privately labeled products to elevate brand and meet enthusiast needs.Develop annual and quarterly sales forecasts and collaborate with sales and marketing to achieve revenue and gross profit goals for new launches.Provide consistent visibility to RCI stakeholders and the Head of R&D at EAH on both new product releases and ongoing development progress.Deliver world-class products through precise specifications, resource coordination, and rapid time-to-market focus.Manage the design pipeline, coordinating projects to achieve release output and time-to-market goals.Remove roadblocks impacting development through problem identification, ownership, collaboration, and resolution.Serve as a liaison to support initiatives across Operations, Sales, Manufacturing, Marketing, and other teams. Candidate ExpectationsBias for action with the ability to move projects forward quickly and decisively.Experience working in a matrixed organization, navigating multiple stakeholders and reporting lines.Ability to influence and partner with manufacturing and other teams to enable rapid prototyping and product iteration.RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 4 years of professional design engineering experience.8–10 years of experience in personnel and/or project management, including leadership of teams of 3–5 or more individuals.Proven product design leadership experience with a focus on innovation and quality.3D design and drafting proficiency (SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software).Strong understanding of drafting standards and fundamental manufacturing processes.In-depth knowledge of suspension systems, bumpers, skid plates, rock sliders, and general system design and engineering principles.Demonstrated ability to research, learn, and perform engineering tasks while making data-driven technical decisions with minimal supervision.Leadership mindset with a strong interest in driving positive change across teams and processes.Ability to navigate a matrixed organization, overcome challenges, and maintain momentum with a clear bias for action. Enthusiasm and creativity, with a proven track record of delivering innovative design solutions.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 6 years design engineering experience in a professional capacity in the automotive or related industry.Advanced understanding of manufacturing processes to optimize designs (machining, sheet metal forming)In-depth knowledge of suspension, bumpers, skid plates, rock sliders, system design and engineering principlesFEA / CFD / simulation experienceTruck and SUV knowledge (Toyota, Ford, GM, Chevrolet, Subaru, Jeep)Experience working on and modifying personal project vehiclesWhat Success Looks LikeExemplary leadership — sets clear expectations, holds the team accountable, and fosters a culture of ownership and results.Self-motivated and driven, with a competitive spirit and an eagerness to win.Collaborates effectively across departments and with suppliers to identify and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, taking proactive steps toward resolution independently while engaging with teammates, departments, and vendors as needed.Owns aggressive product time-to-market targets, maintaining a relentless focus on continuous improvement and executional excellence.RCI Offroad offers a competitive compensation package including excellent Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage, Paid Life, AD&D, Long Term Disability, 401K retirement plan and paid time off.