Project Chief - Propulsion Systems Air Induction & Exhaust

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

Job summary

Stellantis NV is seeking aTechnical Program Manager to lead Air Induction and Exhaust systems across vehicle lines. You will coordinate with design, vehicle programs, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure performance, cost, weight, and timing targets are met.

You will guide concept studies, packaging, thermal design, cost/weight analyses, prototype procurement, and supplier management from concept through launch, including change management and quality improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of engineering experience focusing on automotive Air Induction and Exhaust Systems/components.
• Strong leadership with entrepreneurial mindset to sell ideas to stakeholders.
• Self-sufficient with ability to influence and lead without formal authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead and manage suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent activities.
• Some travel required to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America.
• Proven program management experience with milestones and timelines.
• Strong knowledge of automotive Air Induction and Exhaust components and operations.
• Proactive communication with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Ability to present status to top management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of tooling and manufacturing processes (molding, stamping, welding, brazing, machining, casting, coatings).
• Ability to create effective presentations.
• High proficiency with MS Office tools.
• Knowledge of underhood packaging and general automotive assembly practices.
• Ability to review DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
• Basic financial understanding to maintain program budgets.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Program Manager for one or more vehicle lines, acting as the primary liaison between Air Induction and Exhaust design and all other functions.
• Ensure Air Induction and Exhaust systems meet functional and performance requirements while achieving cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality targets.
• Lead system responsibilities from concept through end of life, supporting concept studies, packaging, thermal design, cost/weight analysis, prototype procurement, supplier management, sourcing, tooling kickoff, validation, launch, and change management.
• Coordinate technical issue resolution across engineering and quality at all stages, supporting plant development and launch activities onsite as part of the launch team.
• During launch, act as the launch lead for Air Induction and Exhaust systems, triaging and resolving issues while communicating status and managing resources.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Supplier Management

Program Management

Time Management

Travel

Presentations

MS Office

Underhood Packaging

DFMEAs/DVP&Rs

Financial Understanding

Independent Work

Team Collaboration

Automotive Systems

Stakeholder Influence

UG/NX CAD

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s Degree (Preferred)

Tools

UG/NX CAD

Job description

The candidate will serve as the Technical Program Manager for one or more vehicle lines by being the key point of contact between the Air Induction and Exhaust systems design team and all other functional areas such as vehicle program management, engineering departments and manufacturing and will be responsible for ensuring that the Air Induction and Exhaust system meets all functional and performance requirements while meeting cost, weight, investment, timing, and qualityobjectives. The components include catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, mufflers/resonators, air cleaner, dirty/clean side ducts, air filter, and underbody heat shields.

The candidate will also lead Air Induction and Exhaust system responsibilities at any point from the initial concept phase through end of life, provide strong support of 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. The candidate will also coordinate technical issue resolution pertaining to engineering and quality at all stages of the program and across all functional areas and 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree field
• Minimum of 8 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.
• 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 underhood 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
• 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

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.

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 included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs — because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program
Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

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

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back
We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• 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.