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 key 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 achieving cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives. Components include 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. Work includes supporting 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 across engineering, quality, and other functional areas throughout all program stages. The position supports plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team representing cooling systems. During launch, the Subsystem Technical Lead leads cooling systems launch activities and is responsible for triaging and resolving issues, communicating status, and managing resources. Some travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America is required, depending on assignment, and ranges from 10–20%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related degree field.
Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience, emphasizing automotive cooling and HVAC components at an OEM or supplier.
Strong leadership and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to sell ideas to stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities.
Some travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America, depending on assignment; travel ranges from 10–20%.
Proven program management experience, including setting timelines and executing at required milestones.
Strong working knowledge of automotive cooling components and their operating principles.
Ability to communicate proactively with colleagues, stakeholders, program management, and supervisors.
Experience and confidence communicating status to varied audiences, including top management.
Ability to work effectively 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 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.

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 in DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) proactive and/or reactive quality tools.
Working knowledge of UG/NX CAD systems, specifically Teamcenter PLM and Visual Mockup.
Knowledge of Stellantis systems and products, or past experience working for Stellantis as an employee or supplier.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical program manager for one or more vehicle lines and as the key contact between cooling systems design and other functional areas.
Ensure cooling systems meet functional and performance requirements while achieving 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 relating to engineering and quality across all stages of the program and functional areas.
Support plant development and launch activities onsite as a member of the launch team representing cooling systems.
Lead cooling systems during launch, including triaging and resolving issues, communicating status, and managing resources.
Set program timelines and execute work at required milestones.
Lead and manage suppliers.
Maintain program budgets.