Sub-System Technical Lead - Engine Cooling Systems

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

The Sub-System 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. The systems and components in scope 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 role manages cooling 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, program maintenance, change management, value optimization, and quality improvement. The role coordinates technical issue resolution across engineering, quality, and other functional areas. It supports plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team representing cooling systems. During launch, the Sub-System Technical Lead leads cooling systems launch activities, triages and resolves issues, communicates status, and manages resources. This intermediate role has no direct reports but includes dotted-line management of design release engineers and requires leadership and influence without formal authority. Supplier and vehicle assembly plant travel in North America is required based on assignment, ranging from 10% to 20%.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an ABET-accredited program.
At least 8 years of engineering experience, emphasizing automotive cooling and HVAC components at an OEM or supplier.
Strong leadership and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to promote ideas to stakeholders and lead others without formal authority.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate status to varied audiences, including top management.
Ability to lead and manage suppliers.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities and work independently as well as part of a team.
Proven program management experience, including setting timelines and executing required milestones.
Strong working knowledge of automotive cooling components and their operating principles.
Ability to communicate proactively with colleagues, stakeholders, program management, and supervisors.
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 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, or equivalent, from an ABET-accredited program.
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 and/or reactive DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) 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 act 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 involving engineering and quality across all program stages and functional areas.
Support plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible cooling systems representative on the launch team.
Lead cooling systems launch activities, including triage and resolution of issues, status communication, and resource management.
Lead and manage suppliers.
Set program timelines and execute required milestones.
Manage multiple concurrent activities and maintain the program budget.
Review and apply component and system DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
Travel to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America as required by assignment, approximately 10%–20%.