Project Vehicle Systems Synthesis Manager – Advanced Programs

Stellantis; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellantis Auburn Hills is seeking a Project Vehicle Systems Synthesis Manager to lead the integration and synthesis of all vehicle systems to achieve world-class performance, quality, and customer experience targets. This role acts as the technical bridge between chassis, powertrain, body, and electrical teams to ensure subsystems come together as one optimized vehicle.

You will oversee vehicle-level attribute balancing, performance target setting, benchmarking, and drive cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of automotive development experience - preferably including experience in vehicle integration, vehicle dynamics, or system engineering.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through the full product lifecycle.
• Ability to present concise engineering discussions to all levels of management.

Responsibilities

• Lead vehicle integration and alignment across engineering domains.
• Define, track, and balance vehicle-level targets (weight, aero, fuel economy, ride/handling, towing, etc.).
• Guide cross-functional teams through concept definition, powertrain selection, development timing, budget roll-ups, and competitive assessments.
• Lead vehicle integration reviews and program milestone scorecard assessments.
• Ensure packaging and functional requirements are met while maintaining performance at a competitive cost.
• Lead a team of vehicle integration and synthesis engineers; foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Lead competitive vehicle benchmarking, performance analysis, and technical target derivation.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering

Job description

The Project Vehicle Systems Synthesis Manager is responsible for leading the integration and synthesis of all vehicle systems to achieve world-class performance, quality, and customer experience targets. This role serves as the technical bridge between chassis, powertrain, body, and electrical teams—ensuring that all subsystems come together as one cohesive and optimized vehicle. You will oversee vehicle-level attribute balancing, performance target setting, and benchmarking, driving cross-functional alignment from concept through contract milestone.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Vehicle Integration: Own the vehicle synthesis process, ensuring alignment across engineering domains to achieve vehicle functional objectives.
• Attribute Management: Define, track, and balance vehicle-level targets (weight, aero, fuel economy, ride/handling, towing, etc.) across programs.
• Vehicle Development Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams through concept definition, powertrain selection, development timing, budget roll-ups, and competitive assessments.
• Performance Optimization: Work closely with packaging, powertrain, weight and aerodynamics teams to deliver best-in-class vehicles.
• Technical Reviews: Lead vehicle integration reviews and program milestone scorecard assessments.
• System Compatibility: Ensure packaging and functional requirements are met while maintaining performance at a competitive cost.
• Team Development: Lead a team of vehicle integration and synthesis engineers; foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Benchmarking and Target Setting: Lead competitive vehicle benchmarking, performance analysis, and technical target derivation.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of automotive development experience - preferably including experience in vehicle integration, vehicle dynamics, or system engineering
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through the full product lifecycle.
• Work effectively and manage direct and non-direct reports across multiple unique disciplines
• Must be a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and a self-directed process thinker with well-developed problem-solving skills
• Deep understanding of vehicle attributes, system interactions, and trade-off management
• Ability to simplify complex engineering topics, develop and deliver a presentation concisely to all levels of management
• Ability to make quick decisions using sound engineering logic while representing the Voice of the Customer
• Ability to define the engineering logic behind features and systems critical to the customer experience
• Passion for vehicles, the customer, and continuous innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years or more of automotive development experience - preferably including experience in vehicle integration, vehicle dynamics, or system engineering

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