Thermal System Senior Innovation Engineer

Stellantis•Auburn Hills, MI

23h

About The Position

The Thermal System Senior Innovation Engineer oversees the definition and execution of advanced technology projects related to thermal systems and management, including cooling systems, refrigerant systems, HVAC modules, and their interfaces with other systems. The work aims to improve heating and cooling performance while minimizing required electrical energy. The role also serves as functional lead and mentor for TECH PS Thermal Management team members, supporting and coaching them to increase team competence and effectiveness. The role anticipates future automotive innovation trends and customer needs, ensures key topics are represented in the innovation roadmap, and drives projects to meet customer expectations and implementation schedules for new vehicles. It includes planning and coordinating thermal innovation master projects, managing resources, schedules, deliverables, and budgets, and communicating project status and outcomes to management and stakeholders. The engineer researches technologies and markets, collaborates with internal departments and external suppliers, and works with stakeholders to define measures for implementing innovations in series development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, or nuclear engineering, physics, or equivalent.
At least 8 years of expertise in development and design of advanced thermal-system architecture and HVAC.
Deep understanding of thermodynamics and the physical phenomena of heat exchange and airflow management.
Excellent knowledge of HVAC systems, heat exchangers, flow distribution in ducts, and main vehicle components.
Confidence with experimental testing, HVAC-system validation, and interpretation of virtual analyses, including CFD 3D and 1D simulations.
Experience in project management and coordination of global cross-functional teams.
Creativity, innovative spirit, and willingness to collaborate in a global team.
Strong engagement, autonomy, flexibility, and sense of responsibility.
Good analytical thinking.
Business-fluent spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

Independently plan, coordinate, and execute thermal innovation master projects, ensuring overall targets are met.
Synthesize outcomes of master-project sub-projects for presentation to leadership and stakeholders.
Functionally coordinate internal and external resources required for the master project being led.
Develop the competencies of TECH PS Thermal Management employees and act as a mentor.
Research new areas for innovation and define projects based on established brand pillars.
Research supplier technologies that fit STELLANTIS's roadmap or the needs of future vehicle programs.
Conduct technology scouting and benchmark markets and competitors' patents.
Contribute to the technical and technological scenario for the system of responsibility.
Define the annual thermal-systems innovation plan with management.
Ensure adherence to schedules, deliverables, and budgets.
Assist sub-project leaders in launching sub-projects with the appropriate content and scope to meet customer requirements on time.
Select suppliers for allocation of external work packages.
Collaborate with STELLANTIS departments, suppliers, and external service providers to define and/or execute projects.
Facilitate internal and external meetings to present project status and progress to STELLANTIS management.
Define, together with stakeholders, measures for implementing innovations in series development.