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 departments, 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. Activities include 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 engineering and quality issue resolution throughout the program and across functional areas, and supports plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team. During launch, the Project Chief leads Air Induction and Exhaust systems, triages and resolves issues, communicates status, and manages resources. 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.
Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience, with an emphasis on automotive Air Induction and Exhaust systems or components at an OEM or supplier.
Strong leadership and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to sell ideas to stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and influence and lead others without formal authority.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead and manage suppliers.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities.
Some travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America.
Proven program management experience, including setting timelines and executing required milestones.
Strong working knowledge of automotive Air Induction and Exhaust components and their operating principles.
Ability to communicate proactively with colleagues, stakeholders, program management, and supervisors.
Confidence communicating status to varied audiences, including top management.
Ability to operate effectively both independently and as part of a team.
General knowledge of tooling and manufacturing processes, including molding, stamping, welding, brazing, machining, casting, and coatings.
Ability and knowledge to create effective presentations.
High level of 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.

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 their 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 the Technical Program Manager for one or more vehicle lines and as the key point of 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.
Support concept studies, initial packaging, thermal system design, cost and weight analysis, and prototype procurement.
Manage suppliers, sourcing, and tooling kickoff.
Support validation, launch, program maintenance, change management, value optimization, and quality improvement initiatives.
Coordinate technical issue resolution relating to engineering and quality across all program stages and functional areas.
Support plant development and launch activities onsite as a member of the launch team.
Lead Air Induction and Exhaust systems during launch, including triaging and resolving issues, communicating status, and managing resources.
Set program timelines and execute required milestones.
Maintain the program budget.