Upfitter Manager
Role Overview
As an incomplete vehicle manufacturer, Harbinger Motors relies on its upfitters to deliver the finished vehicle. Consequently, strong collaboration and flawless execution with upfitters are essential to delivering a high-quality, complete vehicle to the end customer on time.
The Upfitter Manager serves as the technical liaison between the Upfitter and the Harbinger Engineering team for both the Step Van and Low Cab Forward product lines. The Upfitter Manager role is highly dependent on 3D modeling expertise. Additionally, the Upfitter Manager role requires proficiency in program management and quality management principles.
This person will work onsite at Harbinger headquarters in Garden Grove, California
Key Responsibilities
Catia User
Proficient in 3D modeling:
Ability to import and integrate body CAD models with Harbinger’s chassis CAD within Harbinger’s Catia environment.
Ability to prepare and securely export CAD data for external release by sanitizing proprietary and intellectual property content.
Ability to analyze upfitter body specifications and convert them into chassis engineering requirements.
Maintain a library of 2D drawings that include critical dimensions for supporting logistics operations.
Capable of performing packaging studies to integrate Upfitter Specific devices such as liftgates, ePTOs, battery boxes, etc.
Documentation
Define and maintain approved upfit configurations, compatibility guidelines, and best practices
Coordinate design changes with upfitters, when the design update affects the integration with the upfit/body.
Maintain traceability records documenting ‘clean points’ for when a design change was cut in. This applies to both chassis changes as well as body changes.
Drive continuous improvement of the Stripped Chassis Body Builder Guide by providing technical fieldback from lessons learned.
Develop configuration rules, constraints, and documentation to guide quoting and ordering.
Continuous Improvement
Partner with manufacturing and ERP teams to ensure chassis build configurations align with the intended body specifications and upfit requirements.
Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement
Identify opportunities and recommend standardized solutions that improve upfitter efficiency and operational consistency.
Qualifications
Required
3+ years of experience in solid modeling, Catia V6 is preferred
Automotive background, medium / heavy duty segment is preferred
Knowledgeable in stripped chassis architecture and upfit integration processes.
Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with external upfitters and partners.
Ability to translate technical requirements into clear customer-facing guidance
Strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
Willingness to travel ~20%.
Preferred
Experience in electric vehicles, alternative powertrains, or emerging mobility platforms
Familiarity with vehicle integration, electrical systems, weight distribution, and load constraints
Experience building standardized product or configuration frameworks
Prior experience supporting enterprise or fleet customers
What Success Looks Like
Drive successful upfitter execution to ensure completed vehicles are delivered on time and in alignment with Harbinger Motor’s quality standards.
Develop and standardize processes to streamline operations, improve productivity, and minimize execution time; namely when it comes to sharing CAD externally.
Fewer engineering escalations due to well-defined Upfitter Integration requirements.
Key Benefits & Perks:
Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision (HDV) – 100% employee covered
Early-stage Stock Options
Robust Retirement Savings (401k, HSA, FSA)
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Parental Leave
Annual Vacation Bonus
Wellness & Fertility Benefits
Cell Phone Stipend
Complimentary Meals & Stocked Kitchens
California Pay Range
$120,000—$150,000 USD