Sub-System Technical Lead - Engine Cooling Systems

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Subsystem Technical Lead serves as the technical program manager for one or more vehicle lines and is the main point of contact between the cooling systems design team and other functional areas, including vehicle program management, engineering departments, and manufacturing. The role ensures cooling systems meet functional and performance requirements while satisfying cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives. The role covers cooling system components such as cooling module assemblies (radiator, condenser, and fan assembly), transmission oil coolers, hose and tube assemblies, electric coolant heaters, valves and pumps, and chillers. The lead manages cooling system responsibilities from initial concept through end of life, supporting concept studies, 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 lead coordinates technical issue resolution across engineering, quality, and other functional areas. The position also supports plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team. During launch, the lead represents cooling systems, leads launch activities for the system, triages and resolves issues, communicates status, and manages resources. Some travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America is required, ranging from 10–20% based on assignment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related degree field.
At least 8 years of engineering experience emphasizing automotive cooling and HVAC components at an OEM or supplier.
Strong leadership skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to gain stakeholder support for ideas.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to lead and manage suppliers and multiple concurrent activities.
Proven program management experience, including setting timelines and executing to required milestones.
Strong working knowledge of automotive cooling components and their operating principles.
Ability to proactively communicate with colleagues, stakeholders, program management, and supervisors, including communicating status to varied audiences 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.
High level of experience with MS Office tools.
Knowledge of automotive underhood and underbody 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.
Willingness to travel 10–20% to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America, depending on assignment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
Understanding of electric vehicle thermal systems and common vehicle system interactions.
Experience in component costing, including piece cost and tooling.
Practical understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer.
Understanding of basic electrical circuits, components, and their operating principles.
Familiarity with powertrain software and controls.
Experience with cooling-specific and total vehicle testing, including NVH.
Experience with proactive or reactive DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) quality tools.
Working knowledge of UG/NX CAD systems, especially Teamcenter PLM and Visual Mockup.
Knowledge of Stellantis systems and products, or prior experience working for Stellantis as an employee or supplier.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical program manager for cooling systems on one or more vehicle lines and act as the key contact between the cooling systems design team and other functional areas.
Ensure cooling systems meet functional and performance requirements as well as cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives.
Manage cooling system responsibilities from initial concept through end of life.
Support 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 initiatives.
Coordinate technical issue resolution related to engineering and quality across all program stages and functional areas.
Support plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team representing cooling systems.
Lead cooling systems launch activities, including issue triage and resolution, status communication, and resource management.
Manage suppliers and communicate program status to colleagues, stakeholders, program management, supervisors, and top management.
Set program timelines and execute activities to required milestones.
Review and apply component and system DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
Maintain program budgets.
Travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America as required by the assignment.