Engine Performance and Fuel Economy Technical Lead

Stellantis; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer hours

Health & Well-being Coverage

Retirement savings plans

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Stellantis in Auburn Hills, MI, seeks a senior Engine Performance and Fuel Economy Technical Lead. The candidate will lead advanced engine modeling and dyno-based validation, focusing on optimization, heat transfer, and fuel efficiency within the VE team.

Role requires 7+ years using 1D CFD tools for IC engine combustion, strong leadership, and experience with dyno testing or vehicle tests. CAD and simulation tools are essential skills in this senior position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from ABET-accredited program or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years applying advanced 1D CFD tools to IC engine combustion simulation and optimization.
• 2 years experience in experiment, dyno test, or vehicle tests.
• Strong English communication skills (written and oral).
• Solid background in engine performance data, fluid flow, heat transfer and numerical methods.
• Familiarity with GT-Suite, Wave and AVL Boost.
• Experience with CAD tools (NX, Teamcenter, Catia).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Develop air path models and simulations.
• Model turbocharger systems and 1D core engine performance.
• Address cold/hot end lines and sensor locations.
• Define catalyst light-off strategies and fuel maps.
• Develop combustion system models and control logics.
• Identify gaps in engine modeling methodologies and plan improvements.
• Develop fast run and real-time models for virtual control.
• Lead reviews and mentoring of engineers.
• Develop and implement engineering standards.
• Provide technical coaching and support to engineers.

Skills

IC engine CFD

Dyno testing

Engine modeling

Heat transfer

Control systems

Leadership

Numerical methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (ABET)

Master's degree in ME/Aerospace/Physics/Cuels (combustion)

Tools

GT-Suite

Wave

AVL Boost

NX

Teamcenter

Catia

Job description

The Engine Performance and Fuel Economy Technical Lead is a specialized role focused on advanced engine performance analysis and optimization. This position requires demonstrated experience in dynamometer (dyno) testing and/or the application of advanced simulation and optimization techniques to address complex industrial challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in internal combustion (IC) engine modeling and simulation, with expertise in heat transfer, performance optimization, and fuel efficiency improvement. A solid understanding of engine dyno testing, calibration, and control systems is essential. The candidate should also bring practical experience in combustion, chemical kinetics, fluid dynamics, design optimization, and engine testing environments. In addition to technical expertise, this senior role requires leadership capabilities, including mentoring and developing junior engineers and leading innovation initiatives. The candidate will play a key role in ensuring the consistent application of engineering methodologies and driving continuous capability growth within the virtual engineering (VE) team, particularly in the areas of engine performance and fuel economy.

The responsibility of the technical lead will include, but not limited to:

• Air path model development and simulation
• Turbocharger system modeling
• 1D core engine perfomance modeling and development
• Cold and Hot end lines
• Sensor locations
• Catalyst light off strategies
• Fuel map generation
• Combustion system model development
• Control strategies logics
• Identify current gaps in Engine modeling methodologies and develop plans for methodology development
• Fast run model and Real Time model development for virtual control
• Follow up team progresses and review technical reviews
• Build and/or implement Standards
• Train and coach and provide technical support to engineers

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, as accredited by ABETS or ABET equivalent, is required.
• Minimum 7 years' experience and demonstrated excellence in applying advanced 1D CFD tools to IC engine combustion simulation and optimization
• 2 years working experience in experiment, dyno test or vehicle tests
• Thorough knowledge of the English language including both written and oral communication
• Strong analytical and technical background in engine performance data, fluid flow, heat transfer and numerical methods.
• Thorough knowledge of commercial codes such as GT-Suite, Wave and AVL Boost
• General knowledge of commercial CAD packages including NX and Teamcenter and Catia
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications

• Master Degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics or chemistry (combustion area)
• Familiar with engine calibration, HIL, engine control and its influence on engine combustion and performance optimization is plus
• Experience n CFD-3D field
• Documented history of advancing the state of the art in some area of modeling, simulation, optimization of IC engine combustion
• Good skill in programming
• DFSS certification

High proactivity and problem solving attitude

Our Benefits — Designed With You In Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage

From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected. Also, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support for personal and professional challenges, always ready when you need it.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We Help You Plan For The Future With

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from both employer-provided and voluntary plan offerings, including life insurance, group accident, critical illness, etc. - supporting the needs of you and your family and ensuring peace of mind.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can participate in the company vehicle lease program, providing access to Stellantis vehicles with insurance, maintenance, and unlimited miles included. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!

When you join us, you’re not just building a career — you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.

At Stellantis, we assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from all people without regard to sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any characteristic protected by law. We believe that diverse teams reflect our identity as a global company, enabling us to better address the evolving needs of our customers and care for our future.

EOE / Disability / Veteran