Job Title: Project Chief for Body Closures
Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Position Type: Contract
Duration: 6 / 12 Month
Work Type: Onsite
Rate: Pay range offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors, including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc.
Job Description:
The Project Chief for Body Closures will oversee and lead the design, development, and implementation of body closure components, including doors, hoods, liftgates, and window/sealing systems, for OEM automotive products.
This role will be responsible for managing cross-functional teams to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products that meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and cost objectives.
The Project Chief will drive continuous improvements in product design, process efficiency, and cost control while maintaining strong communication with both internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
•Project Leadership:
Lead the overall planning, execution, and delivery of body closure projects from concept through production, ensuring adherence to timeline, budget, and quality standards.
•Cross-Functional Coordination:
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and other internal departments to ensure seamless project execution and successful product launches.
•Design and Development Oversight:
Oversee the design and development of body closure components, ensuring they meet OEM specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
•Supplier Management:
Manage relationships with external suppliers, ensuring the timely delivery of materials and components. Collaborate on the selection of suppliers, and monitor their performance to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
•Risk Management:
Identify potential risks to project timelines, budgets, and quality, and take proactive measures to mitigate these risks. Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
•Process Optimization:
Continuously evaluate and improve development and production processes to optimize efficiency, cost, and quality.
•Change Management:
Lead and mentor a team of engineers to optimize, process and implement change through the development phase.
•Customer Focus:
Engage engineers to ensure designs meet or exceed customer expectations through validation, benchmarking and clinics.
•Reporting and Documentation:
Maintain detailed project documentation and regularly report project status, including timelines and technical challenges, to senior management."
Basic Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or a related degree field
•Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive engineering
•In-depth knowledge of body closure systems (doors, hoods, tailgates, etc.), materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques
•Ability to analyze complex technical issues and drive solutions, while maintaining a focus on cost, quality, and schedule
•Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior management, engineering teams, suppliers, and customers
•Proficient in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX), PLM systems, and MS Office Suite
Preferred Qualifications:
•Master of Science Degree in Engineering
•Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and other simulation tools
•Strong project management skills with experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex projects. PMP or similar certification"
Body Closure Systems (doors, hoods, tailgates, etc.) 4
Materials (Light weight) 4
Manufacturing Processes 4
Assembly Techniques 4
Change Management 4
CAD Knowledge 4"
ABOUT Ztek:
Ztek Consulting Inc is a minority- and woman-owned business enterprise that leverages a unique blend of human talent, machine learning algorithms, and artificial intelligence to provide customized talent management solutions for clients. Ztek’s diversity-focused hiring models have proven successful, particularly in hiring veterans. The company's veteran-focused hiring and deployment program, Z-V.E.T, matches skilled veterans with clients' needs in various areas.
Disclaimer:
Ztek is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits any kind of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Ztek is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national origin, citizenship, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by the statutes, rules, and regulations in the locations where it operates. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us at "To apply, click the Monster apply button" Please indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Ztek encourages all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities. Ztek does not discriminate against applicants based on citizenship status, immigration status, or national origin, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. 1324b.