Upfitter Specialist
About the Role
As an incomplete vehicle manufacturer, Harbinger Motors relies on its upfitters to deliver the finished vehicle. 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. This role is highly dependent on 3D modeling expertise and requires proficiency in program management and quality management principles. The Upfitter Specialist will work onsite at Harbinger headquarters in Garden Grove, California.
Responsibilities
- Catia User Proficient in 3D modeling:
- Import and integrate body CAD models with Harbinger’s chassis CAD within Harbinger’s Catia environment.
- Prepare and securely export CAD data for external release by sanitizing proprietary and intellectual property content.
- 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.
- Perform 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 (applies to both chassis and body changes).
- Drive continuous improvement of the Stripped Chassis Body Builder Guide by providing technical feedback 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 preferred.
- Automotive background, medium/heavy-duty segment 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, especially when sharing CAD externally.
- Fewer engineering escalations due to well-defined Upfitter Integration requirements.
Benefits
- 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
Pay
California Pay Range: $100,000—$130,000 USD
Harbinger is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.