Senior Vehicle Performance Manager (VPM)

Stellantis NV; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off (15+ days)

401(k) retirement plan

Disability and life insurance

Company vehicle lease

Family building benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer hours

Job summary

Stellantis NV is seeking a Senior Vehicle Performance Manager to translate customer expectations into performance requirements and validated results across the development lifecycle. You will lead cross-functional teams, benchmark performance, and drive risk management and launch readiness across vehicle programs.

The role requires deep expertise in vehicle integration, CPIT/FO development, and sophisticated data-driven decision making, with responsibility for AFOD and security protocols

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or related field.
• At least 10 years in automotive product development or vehicle integration.
• Experience leading a full vehicle program through launch.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and make decisions under ambiguity.
• Strong communication to senior leadership and executives.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, CAE/simulation and validation processes.
• Experience with multiple architectures or market regions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set Vehicle Performance Strategy: define vision, priorities and integration strategy.
• Direct Benchmarking and Target Development: lead V-model benchmarking and CPIT/FO development.
• Own Performance Integration and AFOD: govern across subsystems and vehicle levels.
• Lead Convergence and Performance Decisions: conduct technical reviews and resolve trade-offs.
• Govern Validation and Resource Planning: approve DVP&R strategy and plans.
• Resolve Critical Issues and Manage Risk: lead root-cause analysis and recovery actions.
• Ensure Confidentiality and Vehicle Security: enforce protocols across teams and facilities.
• Communicate to Senior Leadership: provide status, risks and recovery plans.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Decision making

Analytical thinking

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Electrical/Automotive/Systems Engineering

Master’s in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or Systems Engineering

Tools

CAE/Simulation

Digital engineering tools

Stellantis corporate systems

Job description

The Senior Vehicle Performance Manager (VPM) is the vehicle-level technical authority accountable for translating customer expectations and brand objectives into executable performance requirements and validated results. This role provides strategic leadership across the full development lifecycle, from competitive benchmarking and target definition through digital and physical validation, issue resolution, launch readiness, and final performance acceptance. The VPM leads complex cross-functional decisions, anticipates program risk, mentors engineering teams, and ensures best-in-class vehicle performance at subsystem and full-vehicle levels.

Responsibilities Include:

• Set Vehicle Performance Strategy: Establish the performance vision, priorities, and integration strategy for assigned vehicle programs, balancing customer, brand, regulatory, quality, cost, weight, timing, and technical objectives.
• Direct Benchmarking and Target Development: Lead V-model benchmarking and govern CPIT and FO development, translating customer expectations into measurable, traceable requirements.
• Own Performance Integration and AFOD: Govern AFOD across subsystem and vehicle levels, challenge evidence, identify gaps, and direct recovery actions.
• Lead Convergence and Performance Decisions: Lead technical reviews, resolve cross-attribute trade-offs, assess vehicle behavior, and drive acceptance, escalation, or corrective action.
• Govern Validation and Resource Planning: Approve DVP&R strategy and direct vehicle, test, and trip plans to support key risks, program gates, and launch readiness.
• Resolve Critical Issues and Manage Risk: Lead root-cause and recovery plans, secure ownership and resources, mitigate residual risk, and provide milestone readiness recommendations.
• Ensure Confidentiality and Vehicle Security: Establish and enforce confidentiality agreements, prototype-handling requirements, and vehicle security protocols across internal teams, suppliers, facilities, and development events.
• Communicate to Senior Leadership: Deliver concise, evidence-based performance status, trade-off recommendations, risks, and recovery plans to executive, program, and engineering leadership.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive automotive product development, vehicle integration, performance, or validation experience
• Led at least one full vehicle program through launch, with strong expertise in systems integration, requirements, target setting, and V-model validation
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, make sound decisions under ambiguity, drive accountability, and resolve complex vehicle issues using data and structured root-cause analysis
• Ability to manage competing cost, weight, timing, quality, regulatory, and customer-performance priorities across multiple workstreams
• Executive-level written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to simplify complex technical issues and influence senior leadership decisions
• Advanced understanding of digital engineering, CAE/simulation, physical validation, correlation methods, data analytics, and their appropriate use across the development lifecycle
• Comprehensive knowledge of Attribute Teams, systems and component engineering, validation organizations, manufacturing interfaces, and their responsibilities within Product Development
• Willingness and ability to support 1–2 week domestic and international development trips, including proving-ground and launch activities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Business Administration
• Experience leading vehicle-level development and validation across multiple architectures, propulsion systems, brands, or market regions
• Demonstrated ownership of performance scorecards, Functional Objectives, DVP&R, and program-gate readiness assessments
• Formal reactive problem-solving, Design for Six Sigma, systems engineering, or project/program management training or certification
• Advanced proficiency with Stellantis corporate systems, product-development processes, and digital engineering tools
• Design release, system development, vehicle calibration, CAE, test engineering, or Functional Science experience
• Experience presenting program status and technical recommendations to senior leadership or executive governance forums
• Prior technical lead, team lead, supervisor, or formal mentoring experience

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.