Development Lead - Front End Closures

Job Title: Body Closures Development Lead – Front End Closures

Department: Vehicle Engineering / Body Engineering

Reports To: Body Closures Engineering Manager

Location: Auburn Hills, MI Chrysler Technical Center

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview:

The Body Closures Development Lead is responsible for leading the design, development and validation of front-end closure systems including hoods, fenders and hinges. This role ensures that closure systems and standards meet performance, durability, safety, manufacturing, cost, and quality targets throughout the product development lifecycle.

The Development Lead Engineer coordinates cross-functional teams across design, CAE, manufacturing, supplier engineering, purchasing, and program management to deliver production-ready closure systems for new vehicle programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead engineers for development of body closure systems from concept through production launch
• Own closure system performance targets including fit & finish, sealing, stiffness, NVH, durability, ergonomics, and safety
• Manage technical deliverables aligned with vehicle program timing and milestones
• Lead cross-functional design reviews, best practice alignment and conformance and engineering sign-offs

Engineering Development:

• Lead engineers to develop and release closure system components including:
• Hood assemblies
• Hinges
• Struts / props
• Fenders and brackets
• System level interfaces and functions
• Ensure compliance with vehicle packaging, crash safety, and regulatory requirements
• Drive robust design solutions balancing mass, cost, manufacturability, and performance

Supplier & Manufacturing Collaboration:

• Lead technical collaboration with tier-1 suppliers and tooling vendors
• Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) activities
• Work with manufacturing teams on stamping feasibility, hemming processes, assembly strategy, and tolerance stack-ups
• Support tooling kick-off, best practice and production readiness reviews

Validation & Testing:

• Define and support validation plans, durability testing, slam testing, corrosion testing
• Environmental sealing validation
• Structural and stiffness validation
• Work with CAE teams to ensure simulation results meet program targets

Launch Support:

• Support prototype builds and pre-production builds
• Resolve engineering issues identified during DV/PV testing and manufacturing trials
• Provide engineering support during vehicle launch activities

EOE/Disability/Veteran

At Stellantis, we assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from all people without regard to sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any characteristic protected by law. We believe that diverse teams reflect our identity as a global company, enabling us to better address the evolving needs of our customers and care for our future.

Our benefits reflects the STELLANTIS commitment to helping you reach your personal and professional goals. In addition to an environment that promotes career development, we offer benefits for a healthy lifestyle and a rewarding future, designed to take care of you and your family, in various stages of life.

As a global company, our employee packages will vary by country, customary norms and the legal entity into which you are hired.

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