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 Specialist 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 Specialist role is highly dependent on 3D modeling expertise. Additionally, the Upfitter Specialist 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.