Senior Vehicle Performance Manager (VPM)

Stellantis; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellantis is seeking a Senior Vehicle Performance Manager to translate customer expectations into validated performance requirements and drive cross-functional execution across the development lifecycle.

The role requires strategic leadership, deep systems integration expertise, and proven ability to guide complex programs through launch with evidence-based decisions and risk management.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Automotive/Systems Engineering with 10+ years automotive product development.
• Led at least one full vehicle program through launch with strong systems integration.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and make data-driven decisions under ambiguity.
• Expertise in V-model validation and target setting.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Set vehicle performance strategy and integration plan across programs.
• Lead benchmarking, target development, and CPIT/FO processes.
• Own performance integration, AFOD, evidence gaps, and recovery actions.
• Lead technical reviews, converge decisions, assess vehicle behavior.
• Approve DVP&R strategy and plan tests for risks and launch readiness.
• Resolve issues with root-cause analysis and milestone readiness.
• Communicate status and risks to senior leadership.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Data analysis

Executive communication

Problem solving

Presentation skills

Team leadership

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

CAE/simulation

Digital engineering tools

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

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.