We Build Your EV
Mgmt & Engineering
Dream Teams
We leverage our deep industry insight and executive search expertise to identify, assess, and place highly sought-after EV and cross-functional leaders across electrification, battery, and mobility sectors—integrating seamlessly into your organization.
The electric vehicle and energy technology sectors are evolving at unprecedented speed, with innovation in batteries, software, and manufacturing driving the shift. At EMA Partners, we help organizations meet these demands by connecting them with proven leaders and specialists who can accelerate development, ensure scalability, and lead transformational growth.
Need Help Hiring EV and Mobility Talent?
EV Talent Gaps Are Real —And Rising
Demand for talent in electric vehicle and energy technology is outpacing supply. Organizations are struggling to fill critical leadership roles—slowing product development, increasing operational risk, and delaying innovation at scale.
We help our clients fill critical executive, management, and specialized roles across the electric vehicle, battery technology, and mobility innovation landscape:
· Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
· Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – EV Platforms & Systems
· Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Manufacturing & Scale
· Chief Product Officer – Mobility & Charging
· Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
· VP, Battery Engineering & Development
· VP, Embedded Systems & Software
· VP, Powertrain & Electrification
· Director, Charging Infrastructure or V2G Integration
· Head of R&D – Battery or Vehicle Systems
· Head of Digital Twin & Factory Automation
· Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Executives
· Senior Vehicle Software Architect
· AI/ML Product Lead – Autonomous & Connected Vehicles
· Director, Grid Integration or Energy Management Systems
· Electrification Strategy Lead – OEM or Tier 1
· VP, Go-to-Market – EV Platform or Ecosystem
· Innovation Lead – Clean Tech or Mobility Infrastructure
· Systems Engineering & Cross-Domain Integration Leader
In short, we bring qualified talent to the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles and energy innovation—especially where AI, advanced engineering, and digital systems are transforming how mobility is powered, manufactured, and scaled.
EV & Clean Mobility Talent Demand Drivers
Explosive Sector Growth: Rapid advancements in battery innovation, autonomous systems, and electrification are fueling massive industry expansion.
Talent Bottlenecks in Key Roles: Companies face mounting pressure to fill senior positions in engineering, software, manufacturing, and commercialization.
Cross-Functional Gaps: The most sought-after leaders operate at the intersection of energy, technology, and scale—but few are equipped to lead across all three.
Why EV & Clean Tech Innovators Choose EMA Partners
EMA Partners is trusted by electric vehicle and clean tech organizations to secure top-tier engineering, software, and executive leadership. Our focused expertise and commitment to precision ensure every search delivers transformative impact.
- Deep Industry Expertise: With backgrounds in electrification, advanced manufacturing, and AI-driven infrastructure, our team understands the technical, operational, and strategic challenges you face—from product innovation to large-scale deployment.
- Proven Processes: From precision talent mapping to seamless onboarding, our search methodology ensures every hire aligns with your mission, technology roadmap, and growth objectives.
- Specialized Talent Network: Access a curated, global network of EV and clean tech leaders—ready to accelerate development, scale operations, and lead transformation.
Ezra Hodge is a Sr. Managing Partner at EMA Partners and is the Global Practice Leader for AI at EMA Partners. He also is a former global talent leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS). His expertise spans AI, cloud, and digital transformation.
From EV Executives to Engineering Specialists— We Deliver
From Battery Visionaries to Software Architects— We Deliver
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Leads engineering, software, and digital systems innovation across the organization, ensuring scalable solutions in electric vehicles and clean mobility.
- Head of R&D: Oversees vehicle, battery, or systems innovation from concept to deployment, aligning engineering breakthroughs with strategic growth goals.
- Director of Vehicle Software: Leads the strategy and execution of embedded platforms, OTA capabilities, and full-stack software integration—driving performance, connectivity, and intelligence across next-generation EV systems.
- Head of Vehicle Software: Oversees the architecture and deployment of embedded systems, OTA frameworks, and full-vehicle software stacks—enabling seamless connectivity, autonomous functionality, and system-level optimization in modern EV platforms.
- VP of Regulatory Affairs: Navigates global transportation, safety, and energy compliance standards—ensuring EV products meet regulatory requirements across markets and accelerate time to launch.
- Head of Data Security & Compliance: Safeguards connected vehicle systems, OTA data, and infrastructure platforms—ensuring cybersecurity, privacy, and regulatory compliance across the EV ecosystem.
- Chief Mobility Officer (CMO): Bridges product strategy with user experience and ecosystem innovation—guiding platform development, strategic partnerships, and market adoption across EV and mobility solutions.
- Cloud Solutions Architect: Designs and implements cloud infrastructure to support scalable EV software systems, connected vehicle platforms, and real-time data integration.
- Director of Digital Mobility Innovation: Leads the development of connected vehicle services, mobility platforms, and user-facing technologies that enhance the EV driving and ownership experience.
- Principal Systems Engineer: Integrates mechanical, electrical, and software systems to optimize EV performance, reliability, and cross-domain functionality.
- VP of Engineering – EV Platforms: Oversees engineering strategy and system architecture for scalable, high-performance electric vehicle platforms and technologies.
- VP of Commercial Strategy – EV & Mobility: Aligns platform innovation with go-to-market strategies across vehicle sales, charging infrastructure, fleet solutions, and energy services.
- Director of Applied EV Systems: Connects R&D with real-world deployment—translating engineering innovation into manufacturable, scalable EV solutions.
- Global Head of Intelligent Mobility Platforms: Leads the deployment and validation of AI-driven mobility solutions across global markets—integrating autonomous systems, real-time data, and connected infrastructure.
- Operations Leader – EV Systems & Manufacturing: Drives efficiency, compliance, and scale-readiness across digitally integrated EV production and operations environments.
How EMA Partners Solves Talent Gaps in
EV & Clean Mobility
EMA Partners applies a proven, research-driven process to help EV and clean mobility organizations secure the leadership talent they need to accelerate innovation, scale operations, and compete globally.
- Strategic Talent Mapping: We identify active and passive candidates worldwide, leveraging deep networks across EV engineering, battery innovation, and mobility technology.
- Collaborative Partnerships: We engage with OEMs, clean tech startups, advanced manufacturing hubs, and industry consortia to surface transformative, cross-functional leaders.
- Rigorous Vetting: Each candidate is meticulously assessed for technical expertise, leadership capability, and alignment with your mission, culture, and stage of scale.
Whether you’re hiring executives, commercial strategists, engineering specialists, or next-gen leaders in EV and mobility, we deliver candidates with the expertise and vision to help you power the future of transportation.
Let’s connect to explore how we can help you close critical talent gaps and build the leadership team that will drive your EV strategy forward.
Proven Processes to Close the EV & Mobility Talent Gap
Our multi-pronged talent strategy gives your organization access to top-tier engineering and operational leaders—whether you need immediate hires or are planning for long-term EV growth and scalability.
- Strategic Talent Mapping: We identify both active and passive candidates worldwide—across EV platforms, battery innovation, mobility software, and clean energy infrastructure.
- Partnerships That Deliver: We collaborate with OEMs, venture-backed startups, advanced manufacturing clusters, and global tech networks to source specialized and cross-functional talent.
- Comprehensive Vetting: We assess technical depth, leadership capability, and cultural alignment to ensure each candidate advances your mission and scales your impact.
We Understand that A Shortage of EV Talent Is a Shortage of Innovation and Momentum
In a fast-moving industry fueled by electrification, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing, delays in hiring key talent mean:
- Missed Milestones: Product launches, factory buildouts, and platform integrations stall without the right leadership in place.
- Lost Funding & Revenue: Delays in development, go-to-market, or scale erode investor confidence and slow commercial traction.
EMA Partners helps accelerate time-to-hire—without compromising on technical excellence, leadership quality, or cultural alignment.
Richard "Dick" Sbarbaro
We specialize in executive retained search of transformative leaders driving the future of EV, batteries, and mobility.
A Letter from EMA's Executive Member and Global Practice Leader
Colleagues,
With decades of experience as a retained search consultant, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with some of the world’s most innovative organizations. I’ve conducted hundreds of successful searches across industries, ensuring businesses like yours are equipped with the leadership and talent needed to grow, scale, and lead.
The electric vehicle (EV) and battery industry is entering a new era of transformation. As demand for electrification, mobility innovation, and sustainable energy solutions accelerates, so too does the competition for experienced, forward-thinking talent. The need for cross-functional leaders who understand both the technology and the market has never been more urgent.
Finding the right executives and technical specialists is no longer just a challenge—it’s a strategic imperative.
At EMA Partners, we understand the complexities of this evolving landscape. My experience includes leading retained searches across automotive, energy, and high-growth tech sectors, helping companies build mission-ready teams to bring next-generation platforms to market.
Over the years, I’ve seen how a single hire can shift the trajectory of an organization—accelerating timelines, solving engineering challenges, or opening new markets. That impact continues to drive my passion for this work.
Whether you’re launching a new EV program, scaling production, entering new geographies, or aligning your organization with AI-driven innovation, EMA Partners is here to help. From the boardroom to the factory floor, we find and deliver the leaders who make a difference.
Let’s talk about your specific goals—and how we can help you build the team that powers the future of mobility.
Sincerely,
Richard Sbarbaro
Sr. Managing Partner,
EMA Partners Chicago
Global Practice Leader
A Letter from EMA’s Global Practice Leader for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Leaders,
Electrification is no longer on the horizon—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the future of mobility, infrastructure, and energy at extraordinary speed. From solid-state battery breakthroughs to vehicle-to-grid integration and autonomous software platforms, the EV sector is advancing fast. But none of it moves forward without the right people.
At EMA Partners, we understand the talent challenges this transformation brings. My early career began in journalism and global media, where I learned how to translate complexity into clarity—skills I carried into executive roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where I led global initiatives to scale cloud and AI talent across infrastructure, innovation, and advanced technology teams.
Today, I apply those lessons to the world of electric vehicles, batteries, and clean mobility—where the right leadership isn’t just helpful, it’s mission-critical. Whether you’re a founder scaling your first EV platform, a PE-backed manufacturer racing toward commercial scale, or a global energy player redefining infrastructure, we help you secure the executive and engineering talent to move faster, with alignment and confidence.
Let’s talk about how we can help you build a future-ready leadership team capable of driving bold transformation in one of the world’s most important sectors.
Sincerely,
Ezra HodgeSr. Managing Partner, EMA Partners Seattle Global Practice Leader, Artificial Intelligence
A Letter from EMA’s Global Practice Leader for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
To the Global Electric Mobility Community,
The electric vehicle revolution is not just a technological transformation—it’s a reinvention of how the world moves, manufactures, and sustains. At the center of this shift lies a growing need for visionary leadership: individuals who can lead innovation, navigate complexity, and scale the future of transportation.
At EMA Partners India, I lead executive search for some of the world’s most ambitious EV companies—many of them based in India and rapidly expanding across global markets. From OEMs and battery manufacturers to next-gen component suppliers and charging infrastructure providers, our clients are driving the shift toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future.
With more than two decades of business leadership across the telecom and technology sectors in India and Africa—and deep executive search experience across industrial and manufacturing domains—I bring a hands-on understanding of the leadership required to succeed in dynamic, asset-intensive, and innovation-led environments.
Through EMA Partners’ global network and retained search model, I’ve led C-suite and senior leadership searches that have enabled EV scale-ups to professionalize, traditional manufacturers to electrify, and multinationals to localize talent in fast-moving markets.
Whether your organization is launching a new gigafactory, building a software-defined vehicle platform, or entering a strategic partnership, we stand ready to help you build the leadership team that will define your success.
Let’s connect—and explore how EMA Partners can support your vision for growth in the EV and mobility space.
Sincerely,
Sanjeev Das
Partner, EMA Partners India
EV & Industrial Practice
Marnie Kane
We bring EV leaders to the top firms serving the EV, batteries, and mobility industry.
A Note from EMA's Senior Consultant with EMA Chicago
To the Electric Vehicle and Mobility Leadership Community,
As the EV sector accelerates, the demand for engineering and technology leadership has never been greater. From advanced battery systems to AI-integrated platforms and connected infrastructure, organizations at the forefront of this space rely on leaders who can balance innovation with operational precision.
At EMA Partners, I specialize in identifying and placing executive talent that aligns with the unique demands of the EV and smart mobility sectors. With more than two decades of experience in executive search and management consulting, I’ve had the privilege of supporting companies that are redefining transportation, electrification, and sustainability.
Through my work at EMA Partners Chicago, I’ve helped build senior-level teams across energy, manufacturing, and deep-tech verticals. This experience enables me to tailor search strategies to the technical complexity, speed, and cross-disciplinary nature of today’s mobility ecosystem.
Whether you’re scaling your leadership team, launching a new product line, or navigating a strategic transformation, we’re here to help. I’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about your goals and share how EMA’s retained search services can support your next phase of growth.
Sincerely,
Marnie Kane
Senior Consultant, EMA Partners Chicago
Specialized. Insightful. Results-Driven.
Our retained search model ensures your most critical EV hiring needs receive dedicated focus, deep sector expertise, and consistently high-impact results.
- Search Priority: Your most urgent and strategic EV roles receive focused attention from our dedicated electrification search team.
- Customized Solutions: Each search is tailored to the technical depth, leadership scope, and market dynamics of your role—whether in battery systems, mobility software, or manufacturing scale.
- Post-Hire Support: We remain engaged beyond placement to support onboarding, cultural integration, and long-term performance success.
Contact Us
IT TAKES A TEAMLet’s Build the Future of Electric Mobility Together
Request EMA's EV & Clean Mobility Talent Intelligence Briefs
Your EV & Clean Mobility Talent Solution—Built to Accelerate Innovation
In the rapidly evolving electric vehicle and clean mobility landscape, securing the right talent is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic imperative. With accelerating advancements in battery systems, autonomous software, digital manufacturing, and energy infrastructure, the demand for cross-functional, future-ready leaders has never been greater.
At EMA Partners, we specialize in retained search services that address one of the industry’s most urgent challenges: the shortage of qualified, visionary talent. Whether you’re scaling production, launching a next-gen platform, expanding your charging ecosystem, or preparing for global market entry, we help ensure your organization has the leadership in place to innovate, compete, and grow.
The EV & Clean Tech Talent Shortage Is Real—And Growing
The electric vehicle and clean tech sectors are experiencing hyper growth, fueled by breakthroughs in battery innovation, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing. Yet the industry faces a critical challenge: the demand for specialized leadership and technical talent far exceeds the available supply.
- Thousands of Roles Open Each Year: Critical positions in battery systems, software, and manufacturing leadership remain unfilled—slowing innovation and production timelines.
- Retiring Expertise: Senior engineers and operations leaders are exiting the workforce, creating urgent leadership gaps across EV and clean tech sectors.
- Limited Cross-Functional Pipeline: Few professionals are equipped to bridge energy, software, and systems engineering—leaving EV companies short on integrated, hybrid talent.
This talent gap puts innovation, execution, and scalability at risk. But there’s a solution.
Why EV and Clean Mobility Decision-Makers Choose EMA Partners
At EMA Partners, we don’t just fill roles—we help build the future of mobility and energy through talent. With deep expertise in EV, clean tech, and digitally integrated systems, our team connects you to the leaders who drive innovation, scale, and long-term growth.
- Deep Industry Knowledge: Led by Paul Thomason and Ezra Hodge, our team brings decades of experience across EV platforms, energy infrastructure, battery systems, and AI-driven mobility innovation.
- Proven Processes: From strategic talent mapping to executive onboarding, we deliver hires who align with your technical, operational, and cultural priorities.
- Specialized Talent Network: Access a global pipeline of engineering, software, and clean tech leaders—carefully curated to meet the evolving needs of your organization.
We bring decades of domain-relevant experience to every search—making us a trusted partner to EV, battery, and clean mobility organizations around the world.
Discover why leading EV, battery, and clean tech organizations turn to EMA Partners for critical talent solutions.
The success of your EV and clean mobility initiatives depends on having the right people in the right roles. EMA Partners specializes in sourcing top talent for the most critical positions, including:
- Leadership Roles:
a. Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Leads engineering and digital transformation across EV platforms, software, and systems integration.
b. Chief Product Officer (CPO): Guides product vision, platform architecture, and user experience across the mobility ecosystem.
c. Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees manufacturing, supply chain, and operational scale—from pilot production to global rollout.
“`
- Specialized Technical Roles:
“` Director of Vehicle Software: Oversees embedded systems, OTA platforms, and integrated EV software architecture.
AI/ML Lead – Autonomous Systems: Applies machine learning to navigation, sensor fusion, and driver assistance features.
V2G Integration Strategist: Aligns grid systems, vehicle tech, and energy markets for intelligent charging and load balancing.
Battery Systems Architect: Designs scalable cell-to-pack architecture, battery management systems, and thermal safety models.
“`
- Operational & Regulatory Roles:
“` VP of Regulatory Affairs: Ensures global compliance across safety, energy, and transportation standards.
Director of Quality & Manufacturing Systems: Leads validation, traceability, and continuous improvement across automated EV production lines.
Global Head of Safety & Compliance: Oversees certification processes, environmental impact, and multi-region operational risk.
VP of Data Governance: Maintains cyber-physical security, vehicle data privacy, and compliance with mobility platform regulations.
“`
- Emerging & Hybrid Roles:
“` Smart Mobility Product Lead: Integrates platform UX, AI features, and cross-device functionality for fleet and retail markets.
Director of Applied EV Systems: Bridges R\&D with real-world deployment across vehicle, software, and infrastructure domains.
Platform Engineering Lead – EV Ecosystem: Builds secure, scalable platforms supporting OTA updates, cloud integrations, and diagnostics.
Innovation Officer – Charging & Energy Services: Identifies new market opportunities and technology partnerships across electrified infrastructure.
“`
- Engineering & Systems Support Roles:
“` Systems Integration Engineer – Electrification: Connects vehicle subsystems with cloud, software, and powertrain architecture.
Manufacturing Automation & Robotics Engineers: Advance EV production capabilities through precision robotics, AI, and smart factory systems.
Explore our specialized expertise in filling these critical EV, Battery, and Clean Mobility leadership roles
Every Day Without the Right Talent Delays Progress — and Increases Risk
The rapid advancement of electrification, autonomous systems, and digital manufacturing is placing unprecedented pressure on EV and clean tech organizations. The cost of delayed hiring is significant:
- Missed Growth Opportunities: Talent gaps stall platform development, infrastructure buildouts, and go-to-market execution.
- Increased Costs: Operational inefficiencies, production delays, and compliance risks drive up direct and long-term expenses.
EMA Partners accelerates time-to-hire without compromising on technical excellence or strategic alignment. Our retained search process is designed to reduce delays—so your organization stays on track to innovate, scale, and lead in the electrification era.
Don’t wait to fill the critical roles that power your innovation, execution, and long-term growth.
Well-Matched Talent Drives Results
- Unqualified Hires: A SHRM survey showed 61% of employers admitted to hiring underqualified candidates, with 56% acknowledging they rushed recruitment.
- Financial Impact: According to Forbes, a bad hire can cost 50–250% of that employee’s salary—placing unnecessary strain on engineering, manufacturing, or launch budgets.
- Team Morale: Poor hiring decisions disrupt execution velocity, cause delays across design and production teams, and stall program momentum.
- Operational & Technical Risk: In safety- and compliance-critical environments, the wrong hire can compromise production quality, delay certification, or risk platform reliability.
Let Us Find the Top Talent Powering Innovation in EV, Battery Technology & Clean Mobility
You Need EV & Clean Tech Talent:
Tell Us Your Requirements and Let’s Talk —
Confidentially and Strategically
- Strategic Talent Mapping: We identify both active and passive candidates globally—drawing from EV, battery tech, automotive, software, and clean energy ecosystems to surface the right leaders.
- Collaborative Partnerships: We engage with OEMs, venture-backed startups, research labs, and innovation clusters to expand access to diverse, high-impact talent.
- Rigorous Vetting: Each candidate is thoroughly evaluated for technical depth, cross-functional leadership, and cultural alignment through a multi-layered assessment process.
