Project Engineer - Fuel Tank Systems

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

Job summary

Optimal is seeking a Project Engineer Chief for Fuel System / SSTL to be the primary interface between Fuels Systems design and program management, engineering and manufacturing. You will ensure the fuel subsystem meets performance, cost, weight and timing targets, delivering components from fuel caps to canisters and sensors.

The role requires leading program activities, coordinating cross-functional teams, maintaining budgets, and driving continuous improvement across the development

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of engineering experience in automotive Fuels Systems/components.
• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Travel to North America supplier and vehicle plants.

Responsibilities

• Lead Fuels System efforts through the program lifecycle from concept to launch.
• Coordinate issue resolution across engineering, manufacturing, and quality.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and supplier relationships for cost targets.
• Develop DFMEAs and DVP&Rs and present status to leadership.
• Support plant activities and drive value optimization and quality improvements.

Skills

Program management

Fuels systems

Cross-functional comms

Supplier leadership

DFMEAs & DVPRs

Budget management

Presentation skills

MS Office

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

UG/NX

CATIA

Job description

Job Title

Project Engineer Chief
Fuel System / SSTL (Sub-System Technical Lead)

Job Purpose

Technical program manager for one or more vehicle lines by being the key point of contact between the Fuels Systems design team and all other functional areas such as vehicle program management, engineering departments and manufacturing.

Responsible for ensuring that the Fuels system meets all functional and performance requirements while meeting cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives. Components include Fuel cap/capless, Fuel tank, Fuel Delivery Module, Fuel lines, Canister, Sensors, Valves, Filters and other items (including brackets / clips).

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Lead Fuels System responsibilities through program production life cycle. 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.

Coordinate technical issue resolution pertaining to engineering and quality at all stages of the program and across all functional areas. Must support plants activities representing Fuels Systems.

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 fuels 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 under hood 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 8 years of engineering experience with an emphasis on automotive Fuels 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET accredited program.
• Understanding of 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 Fuels-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 and CATIA CAD systems.