Project Chief - Propulsion Systems Air Induction & Exhaust

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Project Chief serves as the Technical Program Manager for one or more vehicle lines and is the key point of contact between the Air Induction and Exhaust systems design team and other functional areas, including vehicle program management, engineering, and manufacturing. The role ensures that Air Induction and Exhaust systems meet functional and performance requirements while achieving cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives. Systems and components include catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, mufflers and resonators, air cleaners, dirty- and clean-side ducts, air filters, and underbody heat shields. The Project Chief leads Air Induction and Exhaust system responsibilities from initial concept through end of life. Responsibilities span concept studies, initial packaging, thermal system design, cost and weight analysis, prototype procurement, supplier management, sourcing, tooling kickoff, validation, launch, program maintenance, change management, value optimization, and quality improvement. The role coordinates technical issue resolution related to engineering and quality across all program stages and functional areas. The position supports plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team representing Air Induction and Exhaust systems. During launch, the Project Chief leads the system launch effort and is responsible for issue triage and resolution, status communication, and resource management. Some travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related degree field.
At least 8 years of engineering experience emphasizing automotive Air Induction and Exhaust systems or components at an OEM or supplier.
Strong leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset, including the ability to persuade stakeholders and lead without formal authority.
Self-sufficient, with the ability to influence and lead others without formal authority.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead and manage suppliers and manage multiple concurrent activities.
Proven program management experience, including setting timelines and executing to required milestones.
Strong working knowledge of automotive Air Induction and Exhaust components and their operating principles.
Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, program management, supervisors, and top management.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
General knowledge of tooling and manufacturing processes, including molding, stamping, welding, brazing, machining, casting, and coatings.
Ability to create effective presentations and high-level experience with MS Office tools.
Knowledge of automotive underhood packaging and general automotive assembly practices.
Ability to review and apply component and system DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
Basic financial understanding and ability to maintain a program budget.
Ability to travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Understanding of electric vehicle thermal systems and common vehicle system interactions.
Experience in component costing, including variable cost and investment.
Practical understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer.
Understanding of electrical circuits, components, and operating principles.
Familiarity with powertrain software and controls.
Experience with Air Induction and Exhaust-specific and total vehicle testing, including NVH.
Experience with proactive and/or reactive DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) quality tools.
Working knowledge of UG/NX CAD systems.
Knowledge of Stellantis systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as Technical Program Manager for one or more vehicle lines and act as the key contact between the Air Induction and Exhaust design team and other functional areas.
Ensure Air Induction and Exhaust systems meet functional and performance requirements and cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives.
Lead system responsibilities from initial concept through end of life, including concept studies, packaging, thermal system design, cost and weight analysis, prototype procurement, supplier management, sourcing, tooling kickoff, validation, launch, maintenance, change management, value optimization, and quality improvement.
Coordinate technical issue resolution related to engineering and quality across program stages and functional areas.
Support plant development and launch activities onsite as a member of the launch team representing Air Induction and Exhaust systems.
Lead Air Induction and Exhaust systems during launch, including issue triage and resolution, status communication, and resource management.
Set program timelines and execute work to required milestones.
Lead and manage suppliers and manage multiple concurrent activities.
Communicate status proactively to colleagues, stakeholders, program management, supervisors, and top management.
Maintain the program budget and support program cost and investment analysis.
Review and apply component and system DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
Create effective presentations and support program decision-making.