Mission
Serves as the technical program manager for one or more vehicle lines, acting as the primary point of contact between the cooling systems design team and cross-functional areas, including program management, engineering, and manufacturing. Responsible for ensuring the cooling system meets functional and performance requirements while balancing cost, weight, investment, timing, and quality targets.
Key Components Handled: Cooling module assemblies (radiator, condenser, fan assembly), transmission oil coolers, hose and tube assemblies, electric coolant heaters, valves, pumps, and chillers.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Manage propulsion cooling system lifecycle responsibilities from initial concept phase through end-of-life.
Support concept studies, initial packaging, thermal system design, cost/weight analysis, prototype procurement, supplier management, sourcing, tooling kickoff, and validation.
Lead program launch activities, change management, value optimization, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Coordinate technical issue resolution across engineering, quality, and manufacturing functions at all program stages.
Provide on-site plant support during development and launch as the primary technical point person for issue triage, resolution, and status communication.
Provide dotted-line management and guidance to design release engineers.
Profile
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent ABET-accredited program.
Experience: Minimum 8 years of engineering experience with a strong focus on automotive cooling and HVAC components at an OEM or Tier-1 supplier.
Leadership: Proven ability to lead, influence, and align stakeholders without direct authority.
Supplier & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage suppliers, lead external partners, and balance multiple concurrent activities.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting program status to top management.
Travel: 10–20% travel required to supplier facilities and assembly plants across North America.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong technical understanding of automotive cooling components, operating principles, and underhood/underbody packaging.
Proven track record in program management, milestone execution, and program budget tracking.
Familiarity with component/system DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and general assembly practices.
General knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes (molding, stamping, welding, brazing, machining, casting, coatings).
Proficiency with MS Office tools and creating executive-level presentations