OEM Technical Specialist - Collision

Job Description

Job Description

Are you looking to work for a company that provides an innovative work environment, and your voice is heard?

We currently are looking for an OEM Technical Relations Principal to ideally be based out of either Appleton Wisconsin or Hoffman Estates Illinois. The role is identified as a remote position however, ideally the role would be located on-site at the Appleton, Wisconsin or Chicago, Illinois Technical Center, enabling direct collaboration with teams and partners. Occasional travel is required to OEM sites, industry events, and educational institutions (estimated 20–30% of the time).

MUST have "grown up" in a collision environment, understand latest automotive technologies such as ADAS and have at least 10 years of experience. A degree is welcomed but not required. Must be able to act as an expert on a panel and offer training topics for new training materials.

As the OEM Technical Relations Principal , you are critical in leading the technical collaboration with automotive OEM partners. Based at the Appleton/Chicago Tech Center, you are positioned to work closely with internal teams—SMEs, Instructional Designers, researchers, and media specialists. Your deep expertise in collision repair, advanced vehicle technology, and industry education enables you to drive technical accuracy, improve communication between OEMs and client to support the creation of training and research that elevates the entire industry. Through your leadership, you help ensure client remains a trusted partner to OEMs and is recognized as the technical leader of the collision repair ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities
OEM Relationship Management

• Serve as the technical liaison to OEMs, developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships
• Plan and lead OEM Technical Council meetings
• Collaborate with OEMs to enhance the clarity, accuracy, and delivery of service and collision repair information
• Interface with collision repair shops and technicians to provide OEMs with actionable feedback and insights

Technical Content Review & Development

• Review and provide feedback on OEM position statements and service procedures to ensure clarity, accuracy, and shop-level feasibility.
• Monitor Linking Pin activity; report findings at industry events and conferences
• Develop OEM repair procedures in collaboration with technical OEM subject matter experts
• Evaluate new vehicle designs and procedures for practicality and collision industry acceptance
• Validate procedures on body-in-white vehicles to ensure accuracy and real-world applicability.

Industry Collaboration & Innovation

• Partner with tool/equipment manufacturers to collaborate on solutions to support industry needs.
• Work with paint and material suppliers to identify industry gaps and understanding of emerging technologies.
• Participate in industry panels and working groups, present research and recommendations

Technical Research

• Lead and support collaborative research with OEMs, tool vendors, and suppliers on emerging technologies (e.g., destructive weld testing, laser welding, UHSS sectioning, paint processes around ADAS hardware).
• Align research outcomes with Technical Advisory Services and industry strategies.
• Author white papers, technical articles, and thought leadership pieces for trade publications

Curriculum Development Support

• Work with Instructional Designers, SMEs, and Tech Operations to develop accurate, industry-relevant curriculum aligned with OEM standards
• Create advanced-level learning content (e.g., MAP, MAM) with a focus on technical accuracy
• Participate in Repairer's Realm programming and panel discussions with OEM representation
• Provide technical input into tool and equipment protocol development to align with industry and OEM strategies
• Contribute to curriculum expansion efforts in key areas such as ADAS, EV, and specialty OEM training

Qualifications
Required

• 10+ years in collision repair, OEM service development, or related technical field
• Extensive knowledge of structural and non-structural repairs, OEM service procedures, vehicle technology (EV, ADAS, Vehicle Construction Materials), and advanced repair methods.
• Experience working directly with OEMs, collision shops, technical educators, and product developers.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred

• 4-year college technical degree or 2-year associated degree from an automotive trade school
• I-CAR Platinum or Gold Class recognition, or equivalent collision training credentials.
• ASE Collision Repair Certifications (B2–B5)
• Welding certifications (GMA Steel, Aluminum, MIG Braze, STRSW)
• Hands-on experience with OEM service platforms (e.g., Honda Service Express, GM GSI, Nissan TechInfo)
• Familiarity with collision estimating systems (CCC, Audatex, Mitchell).
• Proficiency with shop equipment
• Understanding of regulatory and safety standards
• Public speaking or technical presentation experience at trade shows or conferences

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead projects and influence high-level industry discussions
• Critical Thinking: Comfortable navigating ambiguity in technical procedures and interpreting evolving repair standards
• Collaboration: Effective cross-functional team player with strong industry relationship-building skills
• Attention to Detail: Precision in technical validation, documentation review, and communication

Company Description

LER TechForce, previously LHP Engineering Resources, was founded in 2001 and has boasted year-over-year growth ever since.

From inception to today, LER TechForce has grown to over 350 engineers on staff or at customer locations. From the beginning, our focus has been rooted in our employees’ success, and that remains true today.

LER TechForce is backed by the engineering and consulting power of LHP Engineering Solutions, the global leader in functional safety consulting and implementation.

LER TechForce is a proud member of the Women's Business Enterprise. Certified in 2020, LER TechForce is controlled, operated, and managed by a team of 3 women.

Company Description

LER TechForce, previously LHP Engineering Resources, was founded in 2001 and has boasted year-over-year growth ever since. \r\n\r\nFrom inception to today, LER TechForce has grown to over 350 engineers on staff or at customer locations. From the beginning, our focus has been rooted in our employees’ success, and that remains true today. \r\n\r\nLER TechForce is backed by the engineering and consulting power of LHP Engineering Solutions, the global leader in functional safety consulting and implementation.\r\n\r\nLER TechForce is a proud member of the Women's Business Enterprise. Certified in 2020, LER TechForce is controlled, operated, and managed by a team of 3 women.