Director, Global Mechanical Engineering & Prototyping - JBL Professional Loudspeakers

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Global Mechanical Engineering & Prototyping - JBL Professional Loudspeakers

Company: HARMAN International

Location: Northridge, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Leadership / Operations

Date Posted: September 9, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead global mechanical engineering and rapid prototyping functions for the esteemed JBL Professional loudspeaker portfolio, driving innovation in enclosure design, structural systems, and manufacturing solutions.

• Lead and develop high-performing global engineering teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement to deliver industry-leading audio products.

• Own the end-to-end mechanical development lifecycle, from concept to production, ensuring products meet stringent performance, reliability, quality, sustainability, and cost objectives.

• Drive advanced technology development and evaluate emerging materials, manufacturing processes, and design technologies to maintain JBL Professional's competitive edge in the market.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Systems Engineering, Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, and Manufacturing, to ensure seamless product integration and successful market launch.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within HARMAN's Lifestyle division, specifically focusing on the JBL Professional brand. The emphasis on "Global Mechanical Engineering & Prototyping" indicates a broad scope of responsibility across multiple geographies and a critical function in bringing complex audio products to market. The "Director" title signifies significant strategic and operational oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Leadership & Organizational Development:

  • Lead and manage global Mechanical Engineering and Prototyping teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence.
  • Recruit, mentor, and retain top engineering talent, building a robust organization of leaders and specialists.
  • Strategically plan and execute resource allocation to align with the company's strategic roadmap and product development priorities.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering and prototyping functions.

• Product Development & Engineering Execution:

  • Oversee the mechanical design of loudspeaker enclosures, structural components, rigging interfaces, mounting hardware, transportation accessories, and related mechanical systems.
  • Drive mechanical development activities through the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to mass production.
  • Lead and ensure the execution of design, analysis, simulation, prototyping, and engineering validation activities.
  • Guarantee that mechanical solutions meet all defined performance, reliability, manufacturability, quality, sustainability, and cost objectives.
  • Provide crucial technical leadership during complex product development initiatives and critical engineering reviews.
  • Ensure all structural designs comply with relevant safety, load, transportation, environmental, and field-use requirements.
  • Develop and operate world-class rapid prototyping capabilities to accelerate innovation cycles and mitigate technical risks.

• Technology & Platform Strategy:

  • Contribute to the development of the strategic product roadmap and key innovation initiatives.
  • Lead advanced technology development and research programs within mechanical engineering.
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging materials, manufacturing processes, simulation methodologies, and design technologies.
  • Provide technical feasibility assessments and accurate engineering effort estimates for future product platforms and individual products.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Partner with Systems Engineering to ensure successful system integration and product-level design, taking ownership of mechanical requirements, verification, and validation.

  • Collaborate closely with Acoustics & Transducer Engineering to develop integrated loudspeaker systems that meet acoustic performance targets.

  • Work effectively with Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations teams throughout the product lifecycle to ensure design for manufacturability and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate the scope of this role, emphasizing leadership, technical ownership of mechanical systems, strategic technology development, and crucial cross-functional collaboration. The focus on "loudspeaker enclosures, structural components, rigging interfaces, mounting hardware, transportation accessories" highlights the physical engineering aspects critical for professional audio equipment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline is required.

• A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, or a related discipline is considered a strong advantage. Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in product development engineering.

• Minimum of 5 years of direct leadership experience managing engineering teams and technical leaders.

• Proven track record of leading global engineering organizations and effectively influencing cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. Required Skills:

• Technical Expertise: Strong technical background in mechanical design principles, materials science, manufacturing processes (injection molding, die-casting, machining, etc.), structural analysis (FEA), and overall product development methodologies.

• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering teams, fostering a high-performance culture. Experience in resource planning, allocation, and project prioritization.

• Prototyping & Manufacturing: Deep understanding of rapid prototyping techniques and advanced manufacturing processes relevant to loudspeaker components and enclosures.

• Engineering Tools: Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks is highly preferred), PDM systems, and familiarity with simulation/analysis tools (FEA).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse teams, including Systems, Acoustics, Electrical, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex technical challenges systematically.

Preferred Skills:

• Audio Industry Experience: Direct experience designing and manufacturing professional loudspeaker systems or other high-fidelity audio products.

• Advanced Engineering Tools: Expertise with SolidWorks, PDM systems, FEA (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL), MATLAB, and Python for analysis and automation.

• Specialized Knowledge: Experience with suspension systems, rigging systems, life-safety requirements (e.g., rigging load ratings), and structural compliance standards.

• Prototyping Infrastructure: Experience in establishing and managing rapid prototyping, model shop, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

• Passion for Audio: A genuine passion for music, live sound, and engineering innovation within the audio industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bonus Points" section highlights specific technical proficiencies and industry experience that would make a candidate stand out, particularly expertise in tools like SolidWorks, FEA, and knowledge of rigging and life-safety requirements, which are critical for professional audio equipment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Mechanical Design: Showcase detailed examples of complex mechanical systems designed, emphasizing problem-solving, design choices, and final outcomes. Highlight unique challenges related to acoustics, structural integrity, or environmental resistance.

• Prototyping & Iteration: Present projects that demonstrate the effective use of rapid prototyping to iterate designs, validate concepts, and accelerate product development timelines. Include visual evidence of prototypes and testing phases.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Cost Optimization: Provide examples where design decisions significantly improved manufacturability, reduced production costs, or enhanced product reliability. Quantify these improvements with data where possible.

• System Integration Examples: Illustrate how mechanical designs were integrated with other engineering disciplines (acoustics, electrical, systems) to achieve overall product performance goals.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Document instances where you identified inefficiencies in mechanical engineering or prototyping workflows and implemented process improvements to enhance speed, quality, or resource utilization.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Detail how you established or improved processes for collaboration between mechanical engineering and other departments (e.g., Acoustics, Manufacturing, Quality) to streamline product development.

• Technology Adoption & Integration: Showcase experience in evaluating, selecting, and integrating new engineering tools, simulation software, or prototyping technologies into established engineering processes.

• Metrics & Performance Tracking: Demonstrate how you defined, tracked, and reported on key performance indicators (KPIs) for mechanical engineering and prototyping teams, such as design cycle time, prototype accuracy, or cost per unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, the portfolio should not just showcase individual contributions but also leadership in defining and improving engineering processes and systems. The emphasis on "Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Cost Optimization" and "System Integration Examples" is crucial for this senior position.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $199,500 - $292,600 USD per year

Benefits:

• Employee Discounts: Access to exclusive discounts on a wide range of HARMAN and Samsung products, including popular brands like JBL, Harman/Kardon, and AKG.

• Learning & Development: Comprehensive programs through HARMAN University, offering opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement.

• Wellness Programs: Robust wellness benefits designed to support the overall health and well-being of employees and their families.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for employees pursuing further education relevant to their career development.

• On-Campus Amenities: Access to on-campus fitness centers and cafeterias (where available), promoting a healthy and convenient work environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be expected depending on project demands and global team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is at the higher end, reflecting the senior leadership, specialized technical expertise, and global responsibility of this Director-level role in a major technology company. The benefits are standard for a large corporation, with a notable perk being employee discounts on premium audio and consumer electronics.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Electronics / Professional Audio Equipment. HARMAN International, a Samsung subsidiary, is a leader in connected car technology, lifestyle audio, professional audio, and connected services. The JBL Professional brand is renowned for its high-performance loudspeakers used in professional settings like concert venues, studios, and public spaces.

Company Size: Large enterprise (typically thousands of employees globally). This implies a structured environment with established processes, ample resources, and opportunities for global collaboration.

Founded: HARMAN was founded in 1953. This long history suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and a mature approach to product development and engineering.

Team Structure:

• Global Mechanical Engineering & Prototyping: This department likely comprises multiple teams, potentially segmented by product line, geographic location, or functional specialization (e.g., enclosure design, structural analysis, prototyping operations).

• Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a VP or Senior Director of Engineering within the JBL Professional division or HARMAN Lifestyle division. They will manage a team of engineering managers and senior technical specialists.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role is deeply embedded in a matrixed organization, requiring constant collaboration with Product Management, Systems Engineering, Acoustics, Electrical Engineering, Firmware, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a strong emphasis on using engineering data, simulation results, test data, and market feedback to inform design decisions and strategic planning.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Product development likely follows agile or hybrid methodologies, with a focus on rapid prototyping and iterative refinement to manage complexity and accelerate time-to-market.

• Global Process Standardization: Given the global nature of the teams and manufacturing, expect a drive towards standardized engineering processes, tools, and best practices across all regions.

Company Website: https://www.harman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context provided highlights that this is a senior leadership role within a well-established, globally recognized brand in the audio industry. The emphasis on "JBL Professional" indicates a focus on high-performance, demanding applications rather than consumer-grade products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at the Director level, signifying a senior leadership role responsible for a significant functional area (Mechanical Engineering & Prototyping) with global scope. It requires strategic thinking, team leadership, and deep technical expertise.

Reporting Structure: The Director will lead a team of managers and individual contributors within Mechanical Engineering and Prototyping. They will report to a higher-level executive (e.g., VP of Engineering) and will be a key collaborator with other functional VPs and Directors.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on HARMAN's ability to deliver innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective professional audio products. Success in this role directly influences product performance, reliability, manufacturability, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and market share for JBL Professional.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential to advance to VP-level roles within HARMAN's engineering organization, potentially overseeing broader engineering disciplines or product divisions.

• Strategic Impact: Opportunity to shape the future technology roadmap and innovation strategy for JBL Professional, influencing product direction and market leadership.

• Global Operations Management: Expand scope to manage larger, more complex global engineering operations or take on broader operational responsibilities within HARMAN.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, or specific areas of audio engineering, becoming a recognized industry authority.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Director in a company like HARMAN is typically towards broader executive leadership, strategic influence, or specialization within a critical domain. This role offers a platform to impact a globally recognized brand and contribute to cutting-edge product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the HARMAN office in Northridge, CA. This is likely a hybrid office environment, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, though the role is designated as "On-site."

Office Location(s): Northridge, California, USA. This location likely serves as a significant R&D hub for HARMAN, particularly for audio and professional products.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and areas for informal discussions. Proximity to other engineering disciplines (Acoustics, Systems, Electrical) will be key.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art engineering software (CAD, FEA, PDM), prototyping equipment (3D printers, CNC machines, testing labs), and potentially advanced audio testing facilities.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with direct reports, peers, and senior leadership, fostering a dynamic and communicative work culture.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, this leadership role may require flexibility to accommodate global team schedules, critical project deadlines, and potential international travel (5-10%).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation with specified office location implies a preference for in-person collaboration and access to physical resources like labs and prototyping facilities, which are critical for mechanical engineering.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screens applications for basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a VP of Engineering) focusing on leadership experience, strategic thinking, and technical depth.

• Technical & Peer Interviews: Interviews with key engineering leaders and team members to assess technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration style. This may include scenario-based questions related to mechanical design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, leadership examples, and process improvements. This is a critical step for evaluating practical experience and impact.

• Executive Interview: Final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment, executive presence, and overall suitability for the Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key leadership achievements and significant projects. For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role/leadership, the solutions implemented (especially mechanical design and prototyping), the results (quantified with metrics), and lessons learned.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience in managing teams, developing talent, and driving process improvements. Use specific examples of how you mentored engineers, resolved team conflicts, or implemented new methodologies.

• Showcase Technical Depth: For mechanical design projects, be prepared to discuss material selection, stress analysis, thermal management, vibration control, and DFM considerations. For prototyping, detail the technologies used and how they accelerated development.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work. This could include metrics on cost savings, performance improvements, cycle time reduction, reliability enhancements, or successful product launches.

• Tailor to the Role: Research JBL Professional's product lines and common challenges in professional audio. Align your portfolio examples to showcase relevant experience and solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Discussion: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical engineering challenges related to loudspeaker design, structural integrity, manufacturing scale-up, or global team management. Focus on your structured approach to problem-solving.

• Strategic Thinking Questions: Anticipate questions about developing a global engineering strategy, managing R&D budgets, fostering innovation, and aligning engineering efforts with business objectives.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing underperforming employees, resolving cross-functional disputes, driving change, and building a high-performing team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical prowess but also leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive complex, global operations. The portfolio review is a central component, requiring candidates to articulate their impact with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Expertise in SolidWorks is highly preferred. Proficiency with other industry-standard CAD tools may also be beneficial.

• PDM Systems: Experience with Product Data Management systems for managing design files, revisions, and workflows (e.g., SolidWorks PDM, Windchill).

• FEA Software: Strong understanding and practical application of Finite Element Analysis tools for structural, thermal, and vibration analysis (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus).

• Simulation Tools: Familiarity with simulation software for various engineering disciplines.

• Prototyping Technologies: Hands-on experience or oversight of technologies such as 3D printing (SLA, FDM, SLS), CNC machining, injection molding, and rapid tooling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Engineering Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency with tools for analyzing test data, simulation results, and performance metrics (e.g., MATLAB, Python with libraries like NumPy/Pandas, Excel).

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting engineering performance dashboards to track KPIs and report progress to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM/ERP Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for managing product data and manufacturing processes.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project) for planning, tracking, and managing engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Bonus Points" section specifically lists SolidWorks, PDM systems, FEA (COMSOL), MATLAB, and Python. This indicates a strong preference for candidates with hands-on experience in these specific tools, which are critical for modern mechanical engineering and product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to rigorous engineering, thorough analysis, and high-quality design and execution in all mechanical and prototyping activities.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving, exploring new technologies, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in loudspeaker design and manufacturing.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support across global teams and functions are paramount.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, delivering on commitments, and driving projects to successful completion with a focus on results.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and prioritizing the needs of the end-user and the professional audio market to deliver products that exceed expectations in performance and reliability.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of constantly seeking ways to enhance processes, tools, and product designs to achieve greater efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on proactive and seamless collaboration with teams like Acoustics, Systems, Electrical, and Manufacturing to ensure holistic product development and integration.

• Global Team Cohesion: Building bridges between geographically dispersed engineering teams, ensuring consistent standards and effective communication.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior engineers and leaders to mentor junior team members and share best practices across the organization.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Engaging in constructive dialogue backed by engineering data, simulation results, and performance metrics to drive objective decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with typical high-performance engineering organizations, emphasizing technical rigor, innovation, and collaboration, with a specific nod to the global nature of the teams and the need for cross-functional integration within the product development lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Team Management: Leading and aligning diverse engineering teams across different time zones and cultures, ensuring consistent quality and productivity.

• Balancing Innovation and Production: Simultaneously driving cutting-edge technology development while ensuring designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet stringent production schedules.

• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in materials, simulation techniques, additive manufacturing, and automation relevant to loudspeaker engineering.

• Complex Product Requirements: Meeting demanding performance, durability, and safety standards for professional audio equipment used in challenging environments.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating the complexities of aligning mechanical requirements and priorities with other engineering disciplines and business functions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in areas like advanced materials, acoustics, structural dynamics, and cutting-edge simulation techniques.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone executive leadership skills, strategic planning, and global management capabilities through internal programs and external courses.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent HARMAN at industry conferences, engage with technology partners, and stay abreast of emerging trends in professional audio and manufacturing.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior executives within HARMAN and Samsung, as well as to mentor emerging engineering leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior global engineering leadership role in a competitive industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for both technical specialization and broader executive leadership within a major corporation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a long-term mechanical engineering strategy for a global product line like JBL Professional. What are the key pillars of such a strategy?" (Focus on market trends, technology roadmapping, talent development, and process optimization.)

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation within your global mechanical engineering and prototyping teams while ensuring rigorous adherence to quality and cost targets?" (Discuss balancing exploration with execution, idea generation mechanisms, and risk management.)

• "Outline your methodology for assessing and integrating new prototyping technologies or manufacturing processes into an established product development cycle. What are the key considerations for ROI and implementation?" (Emphasize feasibility studies, pilot programs, cross-functional buy-in, and phased rollout.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about HARMAN and the JBL Professional brand, particularly from an engineering leadership perspective?" (Demonstrate research into the company's mission, products, and market position.)

• "How do you approach building and leading high-performing, diverse, and geographically dispersed engineering teams?" (Highlight your leadership philosophy, communication strategies, and experience with global team dynamics.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment between Mechanical Engineering and other critical functions like Acoustics, Systems Engineering, and Manufacturing?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships and conflict resolution.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "STAR" Method for Impact: For each portfolio example, structure your presentation using Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Clearly define the context, your specific role and responsibilities, the actions you took (especially leadership and technical decisions), and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images, diagrams, CAD renderings, and videos of prototypes and products to visually communicate your work. For prototyping examples, show the evolution from concept to functional prototype.

• Focus on Leadership & Process: Beyond technical achievements, highlight your leadership in managing teams, driving process improvements, mentoring engineers, and influencing strategic decisions.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Be prepared to discuss metrics related to cost savings, performance improvements, cycle time reduction, reliability gains, or successful product launches directly attributable to your leadership and team's work.

• Anticipate Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about the design choices, materials, simulation results, and testing methodologies presented in your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The suggested interview questions are designed to probe strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and practical experience in managing complex engineering operations. The portfolio presentation advice emphasizes demonstrating quantifiable impact and leadership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://harman.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/HARMAN/job/Northridge---California-USA/Director--Global-Mechanical-Engineering---Prototyping---JBL-Professional-Loudspeakers_R-55254-2026

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature your most impactful projects in mechanical engineering and prototyping, especially those involving loudspeaker systems, structural design, or global team leadership. Highlight your leadership in process improvement and technology adoption.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to explicitly showcase leadership experience (managing teams, global operations) and technical expertise in mechanical engineering, CAD/FEA tools (especially SolidWorks), and prototyping. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Global Mechanical Engineering," "Prototyping," "Loudspeakers," "Structural Systems," and "Technical Leadership." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice presenting your key portfolio projects using the STAR method, focusing on demonstrating your leadership impact, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive results. Be ready to discuss technical details and your strategic approach to engineering challenges.

• Company & Role Research: Thoroughly research HARMAN International, the JBL Professional brand, and their product offerings. Understand their market position, competitors, and the challenges within the professional audio industry. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the team, strategic goals, and company culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.