Product Design Release Engineer Team Lead - Engine Lubrication Systems

The Design Release Engineer Team Lead for Internal combustion engine lubrication and vent system components is responsible for the design, development, and technical leadership in the creation, validation, and release of these components for Stellantis' vehicles. This includes oil pumps, PCV components, makeup air, piston cooling jets, engine oil coolers, oil filtration, and dilution tubes. The responsibilities include design and release of system components and/or specifying hardware requirements needed to meet program objectives.

The role involves driving the design through all phases of the product lifecycle, including design concept, sourcing support, engineering validation, and production release through PPAP (Production Part Approval Process). The role will include interaction and or leading activities with multiple teams including manufacturing, quality, design, validation testing, supplier direction and purchasing groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Design & Development:

• Lead the design of vent and lubrication system components, ensuring alignment with vehicle and engine sub-system requirements.

• Develop and refine concepts for crankcase ventilation systems and lube system components based on functional, safety, reliability, and performance requirements.

• Support CAD modeling, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and other design validation methods to ensure structural integrity and compliance with standards.

• Collaborate with other engineering teams (electrical, thermal, packaging, quality, manufacturing, purchasing) to integrate components into the overall engine system.

Release & Program Management:

• Provide team leadership of to a subteam to deliver parts on time and provide technical leadership for engineers on the team.

• Manage design release activities from early concept through production, including the timely completion of applicable milestones such as B-Sample, C-Sample, PX0, X0, X1, X2, and X3.

• Own the Engineering Bill of Materials (EBOM) and Change Notices (CNs) for structural components.

• Ensure all parts meet quality, cost, and timing requirements.

• Drive the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for lubrication systems components, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and customer specifications.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, suppliers, and quality, to ensure the successful release and implementation of designs.

Technical Guidance & Problem Solving:

• Provide technical leadership support during the development and production stages to resolve design issues, material selection challenges, manufacturing restrictions, and process-related problems.

• Lead DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and other risk assessment activities to ensure design robustness and mitigate potential issues.

• Participate in the development of testing strategies for components, including engine dynamometer, vehicle handling, vibration, crash, and thermal testing.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and problem-solving support for extended team of engineers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure design feasibility, cost competitiveness, and manufacturability of structural components.

• Collaborate with validation teams to define and implement validation testing, ensuring structural components meet functional and performance metrics.

• Partner with vehicle integration teams to ensure proper fitment, safety, and integration of lubrication and vent system components into the overall vehicle platform.

Documentation & Reporting:

• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, models, test plans, and validation reports.

• Ensure that all technical documentation is up-to-date and aligns with program timelines and PPAP requirements.

• Report on project status, timelines, and risk assessments to senior management and stakeholders.

• Report on component and system testing status and results for relevant components on a DVP&R. This includes tracking and analysis of tested engines to evaluate wear and function changes.

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working with engine components and systems design -Experience of interest is related to pressurized engine oil systems, oil pumps, crankcase positive ventilation systems (PCV), oil separation, oil filters, and oil coolers
• Understanding of Mechanics of Materials, NVH, Sealing systems, Fluid dynamics, Tribology, CAE Analysis, thermodynamics and GD&T
• Experience in selecting materials and manufacturing methods for mechanical components
• Ability to author system/component level requirements
• Strong interpersonal communication, team/leadership skills/experience
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong project management skills/experience
• Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis engine systems engineering
• Working experience in creation and execution of validation plans
• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving
• Demonstrated leadership as a technical expert for Internal Combustion Engines
• Working experience with 3D cad programs, preferably Siemens NX
• Familiarity with Stellantis engine development processes.