Project Chief

Transforming the Future with Convergence of Simulation and Data

Project Chief

Job Summary:

Our client in Auburn Hills, MI is looking for a Project Chief. This is a contract position.

What You Will Do:

Project Chief – Propulsion Systems Cooling

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, high and low pressure hose and tube assemblies, electric coolant heaters, valves and pumps, chillers.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Candidate will lead 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 Project Chief is the launch lead for cooling systems and key person responsible for triage and resolution of issues, while communicating status and managing resources.

Basics:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program
• Minimum of 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.
• 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.
• Driving of a vehicle required.
• Onsite position. 3-5 days per week at the office.

Preferred:

• 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 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 Our Client´s systems and products or past experience working for Our Client as an employee or supplier.

How You Will Be Successful:

• Envision the Future
• Communicate Honestly and Broadly
• Seek Technology and Business “First”
• Embrace Diversity and Take Risks

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts
• Free training on all Altair products

Why Work with Us:

Altair is a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions in the areas of data analytics, product development, and high-performance computing (HPC). Altair enables organizations in nearly every industry to compete more effectively in a connected world, while creating a more sustainable future. With more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, and creative thinkers in 25 countries, we help solve our customer’s toughest challenges and deliver unparalleled service, helping the innovators innovate, drive better decisions, and turn today’s problems into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Our vision is to transform customer decision making with data analytics, simulation, and high-performance computing.

For more than 30 years, we have been helping our customers integrate electronics and controls with mechanical design to expand product value, develop AI, simulation and data-driven digital twins to drive better decisions, and deliver advanced HPC and cloud solutions to support unlimited idea exploration. To learn more, please visit altair.com

Ready to go? #ONLYFORWARD

At our core we are explorers; adventures; pioneers. We are the brains behind some of the world’s most revolutionary innovations and are not only comfortable in new and unchartered waters, we dive headfirst. We are the original trailblazers that make the impossible possible, discovering new solutions to our customer’s toughest challenges.

Altair is an equal opportunity employer. Our backgrounds are diverse, and every member of our global team is critical to our success. Altair’s history demonstrations a belief that empowering each individual authentic voice reinforces a culture that thrives because of the uniqueness among our team.