Sub-System Technical Lead - Engine Cooling Systems

Stellantis; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid time off (17+ holidays)

401k with company match

Company vehicle lease program

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer hours (18 per year)

Job summary

Stellantis is seeking a Sub-system Technical Lead to serve as the technical program manager for cooling systems across one or more vehicle lines. You’ll be the primary contact between the cooling design team and program management, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure requirements, cost, weight, timing, and quality targets are met.

You will drive concept studies, packaging, cost/weight analysis, prototype procurement, supplier management, sourcing, tooling kickoff, validation, launch, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• Minimum 8 years engineering experience focused on automotive cooling/HVAC components.
• Strong leadership with entrepreneurial mindset; ability to influence without formal authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; skilled with suppliers and multiple actions.
• Ability to travel 10–20% to supplier and vehicle assembly plants in North America.
• Experience in program management and capability to set timelines and milestones.
• Knowledge of automotive cooling components and packaging principles.
• Familiarity with tooling and manufacturing processes (molding, stamping, welding, etc).
• Ability to create effective presentations and communicate status to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical program manager and lead cooling systems across vehicle lines.
• Coordinate concept studies, packaging, cost/weight analyses, and validation.
• Manage suppliers, sourcing, and tooling kickoff; lead launch activities onsite.
• Triages and resolves issues; communicates status and allocates resources.
• Maintain program budget and schedule; monitor DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Supplier management

Budget management

Communication skills

Tooling and manufacturing processes

DFMEAs & DVPRs review

MS Office proficiency

Presentation skills

Multi-tasking on multiple programs

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master’s in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

UG/NX CAD

Teamcenter PLM

Visual Mockup

Job description

The Sub-system Technical Lead serves as technical program manager for one or more vehicle lines by being the key point of contact between the cooling systems design team and all other functional areas such as vehicle program management, engineering departments and manufacturing. Responsible for ensuring that the cooling system meets all functional and performance requirements while meeting cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality objectives.

Components include cooling module assemblies (radiator, condenser, fan assembly), transmission oil coolers, hose and tube assemblies, electric coolant heaters, valves and pumps, chillers.

Candidate will manage cooling system responsibilities at any point from the initial concept phase through end of life. 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 plant development and launch activities onsite as a visible member of the launch team representing cooling systems. During the launch phase, the SSTL is the launch lead for cooling systems and key person responsible for triage and resolution of issues, while communicating status and managing resources.

Basic 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 8 years of engineering experience with an emphasis on automotive cooling and HVAC components at either an OEM or supplier
• Strong leader with entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to sell ideas to all stakeholders
• This is an intermediate role without direct reports but with dotted-line management of design release engineers. The ability to influence and lead others without formal authority is an absolute requirement.
• 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 based on assignment, ranges from 10-20%
• 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 cooling 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 underhood/underbody 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program
• Understanding of electric vehicle thermal systems and common vehicle system interactions.
• Experience in component costing (piece cost and tooling)
• Solid understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer from a practical standpoint
• Understanding of basic electrical circuits, components and their operating principles
• Familiarity with powertrain software and controls
• Experience with cooling-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 CAD systems – specifically Teamcenter PLM system and Visual Mockup
• Knowledge of Stellantis systems and products or past experience working for Stellantis as an employee or supplier

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.