Development Lead - Front End Closures

Job Title: Body Closures Development Lead – Front End ClosuresDepartment: Vehicle Engineering / Body EngineeringReports To: Body Closures Engineering ManagerLocation: Auburn Hills, MI Chrysler Technical CenterEmployment Type: Full-TimePosition 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 launchOwn closure system performance targets including fit & finish, sealing, stiffness, NVH, durability, ergonomics, and safetyManage technical deliverables aligned with vehicle program timing and milestonesLead cross-functional design reviews, best practice alignment and conformance and engineering sign-offsEngineering Development:Lead engineers to develop and release closure system components including:Hood assembliesHingesStruts / propsFenders and bracketsSystem level interfaces and functionsEnsure compliance with vehicle packaging, crash safety, and regulatory requirementsDrive robust design solutions balancing mass, cost, manufacturability, and performanceSupplier & Manufacturing Collaboration:Lead technical collaboration with tier-1 suppliers and tooling vendorsSupport design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) activitiesWork with manufacturing teams on stamping feasibility, hemming processes, assembly strategy, and tolerance stack-upsSupport tooling kick-off, best practice and production readiness reviewsValidation & Testing:Define and support validation plans, durability testing, slam testing, corrosion testingEnvironmental sealing validationStructural and stiffness validationWork with CAE teams to ensure simulation results meet program targetsLaunch Support:Support prototype builds and pre-production buildsResolve engineering issues identified during DV/PV testing and manufacturing trialsProvide engineering support during vehicle launch activitiesBasic Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related fieldMinimum of 8 years of automotive engineering experience with focus on body structures or closuresProven experience developing:Door systemsHood or liftgate systemsHinges and latch systemsExperience with automotive product development processes (APQP, DFMEA, DV/PV testing).Strong understanding of sheet metal design, stamping, hemming, and assembly processes.Proficiency with CAD tools (CATIA, NX, or equivalent).Experience working with tier-1 suppliers.Preferred Qualifications:Experience leading engineers or technical teams.Knowledge of tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T.Familiarity with aluminum and mixed-material closure systems.Experience with electric vehicle platforms and lightweighting strategiesKey Competencies:Technical leadershipCross-functional collaborationProblem solving and root cause analysisProgram management and prioritizationCommunication and stakeholder alignmentKey Performance Metrics:Closure system performance against NVH, durability, and fit/finish targetsOn-time engineering deliverables aligned with program milestonesCost and mass targets achievementSuccessful DV/PV validation and launch readinessBrand: FCA GroupJob ID: 2016116Employment Type: Full-timeJob Area: EngineeringPosted Date: 16/07/2026