Project Chief - Exterior Trim

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Project Chief - Body Exterior Trim oversees and leads the design, development, and implementation of body exterior trim components for OEM automotive products. Components include fascias, grilles, bumpers, functional plastics, front end modules, wheel flares, door and sill cladding, badging, and aero shields. The role manages cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products on time and within cost objectives, meeting customer specifications and regulatory requirements. It drives continuous improvement in product design, process efficiency, and cost control while maintaining communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in automotive engineering.
In-depth knowledge of exterior trim systems, materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques.
Ability to analyze complex technical issues and drive solutions while focusing on cost, quality, and schedule.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior management, engineering teams, suppliers, and customers.
Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA or Siemens NX, PLM systems, and the MS Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree in Engineering.
Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and other simulation tools.
Strong project management skills and experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
PMP or similar certification.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of body exterior trim projects from concept through production, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and other internal departments to support project execution and product launches.
Oversee design and development of body exterior trim components to ensure compliance with OEM specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Manage external supplier relationships, collaborate on supplier selection, and monitor supplier performance for timely delivery, quality, and cost efficiency.
Identify project risks related to timelines, budgets, and quality, and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Evaluate and improve development and production processes to optimize efficiency, cost, and quality.
Lead and mentor engineers in optimizing processes and implementing changes during development.
Engage engineers to ensure designs meet or exceed customer expectations through validation, benchmarking, and clinics.
Maintain project documentation and report project status, timelines, and technical challenges to senior management.