SRT/Direct Connection – Technical Manager - Propulsion Hardware Engineering

Stellantis; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellantis in Auburn, Alabama, is seeking a senior powertrain engineer to lead Direct Connection’s aftermarket performance hardware development. You will validate and release performance parts for the Direct Connection catalog and support Mopar/DC Crate Engine initiatives.

You will oversee technical execution, supplier collaboration, prototype development, and cross‑functional integration with core powertrain teams, ensuring compliance to Stellantis standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in powertrain hardware engineering or performance parts development.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams or multiple technical programs.
• Strong knowledge of engine subsystem design and validation.
• Experience with CAD systems and engineering quality tools (DFMEA, DVP&R, PPAP).
• Proven ability to lead supplier collaboration and cross‑functional technical integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering development of aftermarket performance hardware for Direct Connection.
• Support Crate Engine team with hardware selection, validation and sign‑off.
• Set technical direction for all projects, review engineering work, and ensure compliance with Stellantis applicable standards.
• Manage supplier technical engagement, feasibility reviews, DFMEA alignment, and validation readiness.
• Oversee builds, testing plans, and issue resolution during development.
• Coordinate with internal PD, SRT, calibration, validation, manufacturing, and service teams.
• Ensure accurate BOMs, engineering documentation, and release packages for catalog launch.
• Support internal and external performance shops for concept development and prototype evaluation.
• Identify Validation requirements for performance upgrades, track testing, and approve test results.

Skills

Powertrain engineering

Leadership

CAD

DFMEA & PPAP

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering

Tools

DFMEA

DVP&R

PPAP

Job description

Direct Connection is expanding its OEM‑grade performance parts portfolio. This position leads the engineering effort and is responsible for developing, validating, and releasing performance parts for the Direct Connection catalog. This includes vehicle-based performance upgrades as well as providing engineering support for Mopar/DC Crate Engine team. This role oversees technical execution, supplier collaboration, prototype development, and cross‑functional integration with core powertrain teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engineering development of aftermarket performance hardware for Direct Connection
• Support Crate Engine team with hardware selection, validation and sign‑off
• Set technical direction for all projects, review engineering work, and ensure compliance with Stellantis applicable standards
• Manage supplier technical engagement, feasibility reviews, DFMEA alignment, and validation readiness
• Oversee builds, testing plans, and issue resolution during development
• Coordinate with internal PD, SRT, calibration, validation, manufacturing, and service teams
• Ensure accurate BOMs, engineering documentation, and release packages for catalog launch
• Support internal and external performance shops for concept development and prototype evaluation
• Identify Validation requirements for performance upgrades, track testing, and approve test results.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in powertrain hardware engineering or performance parts development
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams or multiple technical programs
• Strong knowledge of engine subsystem design and validation
• Experience with CAD systems and engineering quality tools (DFMEA, DVP&R, PPAP)
• Proven ability to lead supplier collaboration and cross‑functional technical integration

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Motorsports or aftermarket performance parts
• Familiarity with turbocharger/supercharger systems, airflow, and thermal management
• Strong communication, decision‑making, and technical leadership skills