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
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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

Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage

From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage - ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We help you plan for the future with:

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs - because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!

When you join us, you’re not just building a career - you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.