What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Design & Release Engineer - Powertrain Cooling position at Optimal Inc.?
Onsite - Anywhere from 3-5 days per week*
Project Chief - Propulsion Systems Cooling
Description:
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.
Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program.
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering or equivalent from an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program is preferred.
- 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 an 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 is 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 includes 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 under hood/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
- 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
