Develops new accessories and replacement parts, as well as checks carry over accessories to increase Parts Department sales/profits and enhance vehicle salability. Focuses on managing product development projects, product engineering, product testing, and managing development activities of suppliers.
Major Responsibilities
Manages product development projects (accessories and replacement/performance parts) from concept through approval. Meets product feature requirements, cost targets, and established engineering approval and availability dates.
Provides engineering support during the development of all new products, to include design assistance, product specifications, development schedules, test requirements, fit/function evaluation, prototype testing, specification modifications, and vehicle processing center installation try-outs. Assists Quality Assurance with resolution of product problems that are design related.
Develops and approves new product installation instructions and packaging that protects the product during shipment and handling as well as labeling. Reviews and approves product documentation (drawings, certified test reports, initial sample inspection reports) and first article samples.
Maintains previously approved products (accessories and parts) to determine applicability to each new model year's vehicles.
Provides key input into the parts and accessory product planning process in areas including market information, technology changes related to new product development processes, project prioritization from a technical perspective, and supplier evaluations to determine development capability and to assess supplier's performance.
Communicates project status and product plans to various Subaru Management groups (including Subaru Corporation [SBR], Subaru of America [SOA], Subaru of Indiana [SIA], Subaru Research & Development [SRD], Parts Department, etc.) and acts as a product information resource for Product Management, Service, Customer Advocacy, SBR, Regional and Zone staff, and other departments.
Supports Quality Assurance Manager in all quality audit activities.
Required Skills and Personal Qualifications
Ability to work in SOA shop and Port locations, along with suppliers at their manufacturing facilities.
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable or probationary under the SOA Driving Record Evaluation Criteria Policy. Must be approved as an "Authorized Driver" by Risk Management to operate company vehicle prior to vehicle operation.
Hands-on mechanical ability (able to lift and install parts on vehicles).
Problem-solving skills and able to diagnose problems with mechanical/electrical products.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Engineering degree required.
Education/Experience Requirements: BA/BS with 4 to 6 years of relevant experience
Work Environment
Internal Work Environment:
CAD station, accessory shop area including lift, warehouse storage area, office, meetings; port installation facilities
Physical Demands:
Lifting, installing, and removing accessories on vehicles including heavier items such as exhaust assemblies, axles, manual transmission components, audio head assemblies, tire assemblies, boxes of parts etc.
Evaluating accessories by driving preproduction vehicles that have accessories installed
Required Travel: 30% (including to Japan)
Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $89400- $127600 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. (M1) In addition to competitive salary, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:
Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings
15 Vacation days, 9 Company Holidays, 5 Floating Holidays, and 5 Sick days
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Vehicle Discount Programs
See our Careers landing page for additional information about our compensation and benefit programs.