Senior Vehicle Performance Manager (VPM)

The Senior Vehicle Performance Manager (VPM) is the vehicle-level technical authority accountable for translating customer expectations and brand objectives into executable performance requirements and validated results. This role provides strategic leadership across the full development lifecycle, from competitive benchmarking and target definition through digital and physical validation, issue resolution, launch readiness, and final performance acceptance. The VPM leads complex cross-functional decisions, anticipates program risk, mentors engineering teams, and ensures best-in-class vehicle performance at subsystem and full-vehicle levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Set Vehicle Performance Strategy: Establish the performance vision, priorities, and integration strategy for assigned vehicle programs, balancing customer, brand, regulatory, quality, cost, weight, timing, and technical objectives.
• Direct Benchmarking and Target Development: Lead V-model benchmarking and govern CPIT and FO development, translating customer expectations into measurable, traceable requirements.
• Own Performance Integration and AFOD: Govern AFOD across subsystem and vehicle levels, challenge evidence, identify gaps, and direct recovery actions.
• Lead Convergence and Performance Decisions: Lead technical reviews, resolve cross-attribute trade-offs, assess vehicle behavior, and drive acceptance, escalation, or corrective action.
• Govern Validation and Resource Planning: Approve DVP&R strategy and direct vehicle, test, and trip plans to support key risks, program gates, and launch readiness.
• Resolve Critical Issues and Manage Risk: Lead root-cause and recovery plans, secure ownership and resources, mitigate residual risk, and provide milestone readiness recommendations.
• Ensure Confidentiality and Vehicle Security: Establish and enforce confidentiality agreements, prototype-handling requirements, and vehicle security protocols across internal teams, suppliers, facilities, and development events.
• Communicate to Senior Leadership: Deliver concise, evidence-based performance status, trade-off recommendations, risks, and recovery plans to executive, program, and engineering leadership.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive automotive product development, vehicle integration, performance, or validation experience
• Led at least one full vehicle program through launch, with strong expertise in systems integration, requirements, target setting, and V-model validation
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, make sound decisions under ambiguity, drive accountability, and resolve complex vehicle issues using data and structured root-cause analysis
• Ability to manage competing cost, weight, timing, quality, regulatory, and customer-performance priorities across multiple workstreams
• Executive-level written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to simplify complex technical issues and influence senior leadership decisions
• Advanced understanding of digital engineering, CAE/simulation, physical validation, correlation methods, data analytics, and their appropriate use across the development lifecycle
• Comprehensive knowledge of Attribute Teams, systems and component engineering, validation organizations, manufacturing interfaces, and their responsibilities within Product Development
• Willingness and ability to support 1–2 week domestic and international development trips, including proving-ground and launch activities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Business Administration
• Experience leading vehicle-level development and validation across multiple architectures, propulsion systems, brands, or market regions
• Demonstrated ownership of performance scorecards, Functional Objectives, DVP&R, and program-gate readiness assessments
• Formal reactive problem-solving, Design for Six Sigma, systems engineering, or project/program management training or certification
• Advanced proficiency with Stellantis corporate systems, product-development processes, and digital engineering tools
• Design release, system development, vehicle calibration, CAE, test engineering, or Functional Science experience
• Experience presenting program status and technical recommendations to senior leadership or executive governance forums
• Prior technical lead, team lead, supervisor, or formal mentoring experience