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 Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field Minimum of 8 years of automotive engineering experience with focus on body structures or closures Proven Experience Developing Door systems Hood or liftgate systems Hinges and latch systems Experience 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 strategies Key Competencies Technical leadership Cross-functional collaboration Problem solving and root cause analysis Program management and prioritization Communication and stakeholder alignment Key Performance Metrics Closure system performance against NVH, durability, and fit/finish targets On-time engineering deliverables aligned with program milestones Cost and mass targets achievement Successful DV/PV validation and launch readiness 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. Also, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support for personal and professional challenges, always ready when you need it. Family Building Benefit We proudly support all paths to