Project Chief – Propulsion Systems Air Induction and Exhaust

Technical program manager for one or more vehicle lines by being the key point of contact between the Induction and Exhaust systems design team and all other functional areas such as vehicle program management, engineering departments and manufacturing. Responsible for ensuring that the Air Induction and Exhaust systems meet all functional and performance requirements while meeting cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives. Components include body mounted heat shields, hot and cold end exhaust including brackets, air box with filter, dirty and clean side ducts and charge air cooler ducts for turbo applications.

Candidate will lead air induction and exhaust systems responsibilities at any point from the initial concept phase through end of life. Provide strong support of concept studies, initial packaging, function targets (i.e., NVH, restriction, backpressure, etc), 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 pertaining to engineering and quality at all stages of the program and across all functional areas. Must support plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team representing Air Induction and Exhaust systems. During the launch phase, the Project Chief is the launch lead for Air Induction and Exhaust systems and key person responsible for triage and resolution of issues, while communicating status and managing resources.

Required Qualifications / Experience

● Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program
● Minimum of 3 years of engineering experience with an emphasis on automotive Air Induction and Exhaust Systems/components at either an OEM or supplier
● Strong leader with entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to sell ideas to all stakeholders
● Must be self-sufficient with ability to influence and lead others without formal authority.
● Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
● Must be able to lead and manage suppliers.
● Must be able to manage multiple concurrent activities.
● Some travel required to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

● Proven experience in program management with the ability to set a timeline and execute at the required milestones.
● Strong working knowledge and experience with automotive Air Induction and Exhaust components and the guiding principles of operation behind them.
● Ability to proactively communicate with other colleagues, stakeholders, program management, and supervisors
● Experience and confidence in communicating status to a varied audience including top management
● Ability to effectively operate 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 packaging and general automotive assembly practices
● Ability to review and apply component and system DFMEAs and DVP&Rs
● Basic financial understanding with ability to maintain program budget

Preferred Qualifications

● Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program
● Understanding of electric vehicle thermal systems and common vehicle system interactions.
● Experience in component costing (variable cost and investment)
● Solid understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer from a practical standpoint
● 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 in DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) proactive and/or reactive quality tools
● Working knowledge of UG/NX CAD systems
● Knowledge of Stellantis systems and/or products a plus