The Project Vehicle Systems Synthesis Manager is responsible for leading the integration and synthesis of all vehicle systems to achieve world-class performance, quality, and customer experience targets. This role serves as the technical bridge between chassis, powertrain, body, and electrical teams-ensuring that all subsystems come together as one cohesive and optimized vehicle. You will oversee vehicle-level attribute balancing, performance target setting, and benchmarking, driving cross-functional alignment from concept through contract milestone.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Vehicle Integration: Own the vehicle synthesis process, ensuring alignment across engineering domains to achieve vehicle functional objectives.
- Attribute Management: Define, track, and balance vehicle-level targets (weight, aero, fuel economy, ride/handling, towing, etc.) across programs.
- Vehicle Development Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams through concept definition, powertrain selection, development timing, budget roll-ups, and competitive assessments.
- Performance Optimization: Work closely with packaging, powertrain, weight and aerodynamics teams to deliver best-in-class vehicles.
- Technical Reviews: Lead vehicle integration reviews and program milestone scorecard assessments.
- System Compatibility: Ensure packaging and functional requirements are met while maintaining performance at a competitive cost.
- Team Development: Lead a team of vehicle integration and synthesis engineers; foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
- Benchmarking and Target Setting: Lead competitive vehicle benchmarking, performance analysis, and technical target derivation.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of automotive development experience - preferably including experience in vehicle integration, vehicle dynamics, or system engineering
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams through the full product lifecycle.
- Work effectively and manage direct and non-direct reports across multiple unique disciplines
- Must be a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and a self-directed process thinker with well-developed problem-solving skills
- Deep understanding of vehicle attributes, system interactions, and trade-off management
- Ability to simplify complex engineering topics, develop and deliver a presentation concisely to all levels of management
- Ability to make quick decisions using sound engineering logic while representing the Voice of the Customer
- Ability to define the engineering logic behind features and systems critical to the customer experience
- Passion for vehicles, the customer, and continuous innovation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
- A minimum of 10 years or more of automotive development experience - preferably including experience in vehicle integration, vehicle dynamics, or system engineering