Design Release Engineer - Engine Lubrication Components

The Design Release Senior Engineer for Lubrication system components is responsible for the design, development, and technical leadership in the creation, validation, and release of engine lubrication components for Stellantis’ vehicles. This includes an oil pump, oil circuits, oil cooler, oil filter, inlet tubes, windage tray, oil separators and crankcase ventilation system.

The responsibilities include design and release of system components and/or specifying hardware requirements needed to meet program objectives.  The role also involves leadership of Technical Expert Network related to best practices and problem solving.

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, suppliers, quality, and purchasing groups.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design & Development: 

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

• Develop and refine concepts for oil pumps, pickup tubes, crankcase ventilation systems, oil coolers, and windage trays 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) to integrate components into the overall engine system. 

• Release & Program Management: 

• 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 and 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 and work as a Technical Expert Network lead.  

• 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 systems 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. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited school or equivalent 
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working with engine components and systems for design and manufacturing of engine components, such as oil pumps, vacuum pumps, heat oil coolers, PCV systems, and control solenoids. 
• Understanding of structural components are related manufacturing processes, i.e. Aluminum casting, stamping, aluminum casting, powdered metal forming, machining, injection molding...etc.
• Understanding of product development documentation such as DFMEA and DVP&R 
• Understanding of Mechanics of Materials, NVH, Sealing systems, Fluid dynamics, Tribology, CAE Analysis, 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, fluid dynamics, heat transfer and failure modes of complex mechanical systems  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering with emphasis of Engine Systems Engineering
• Working experience in creation and execution of validation plans and component releasing
• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving
• Demonstrated leadership as a technical expert for lubrication systems in engines
• Working experience with 3D cad programs, preferably Siemens NX
• Critical character traits to ensure success: Action Oriented, Dealing with Ambiguity, Customer Focus, Problem Solving