Vehicle Specialist

About the role

The Vehicle Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, compliance, and performance of fleet vehicles and equipment. This role serves as a technical resource for vehicle specifications, fleet asset modifications, risk analysis, and defect resolution. The Vehicle Specialist collaborates with vendors, internal stakeholders, and operational teams to support fleet initiatives, evaluate new technologies, and ensure vehicles meet all regulatory and business requirements. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality control processes to ensure new fleet assets meet established specifications and performance requirements.
• Develop vehicle designs and specifications based on operational needs, including capacity, equipment upfits, technology integration, and functionality.
• Coordinate vehicle retrofits and modifications to maintain compliance with safety, environmental, productivity, and performance standards.
• Investigate and resolve vehicle and equipment defects identified in the field.
• Provide technical guidance regarding vehicle safety concerns and fleet-related issues.
• Lead investigations and reporting efforts related to vehicle and equipment safety incidents.
• Support the evaluation, testing, and implementation of new vehicle technologies and pilot programs.
• Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders to support vehicle procurement, delivery, and performance expectations.
• Coordinate and oversee field training related to new vehicles and fleet assets for operators and mechanics.
• Ensure all fleet assets comply with applicable regulatory and safety requirements, including Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED and 9+ years of experience in fleet specifications and administration within an industrial or commercial environment;
• OR Associate degree in Engineering or a related field and 7+ years of relevant fleet experience;
• OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and 5+ years of relevant fleet experience.

Skills

• Experience with utility fleet operations and specifications.
• Experience with medium-duty vehicle fleets.
• Knowledge of vehicle design, upfits, equipment integration, and fleet asset management.
• Familiarity with DOT regulations and fleet safety standards.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with vendors, mechanics, operators, engineers, and leadership.
• Ability to maintain a professional and composed approach in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.
• Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.
• Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.
• 401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.