Engineering Manager, R&D/ Product Development

At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.

Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is a key engineering leadership role within the Powertrain Advanced Engineering organization, responsible for managing the Product/Technology Development engineering teams at the Plymouth Technical Center in Plymouth, Michigan.  The ideal candidate is an experienced engineering manager with a proven track record of leading engineering resources, leading new product development projects, and a strong background in project management.  It would be desirable to have a significant technical depth and experience with Powertrain components including Pistons, Piston Rings, Bearings & Bushings, Valves Seats & Guides and Static/Dynamic Sealing Products. In addition, the candidate will have strong leadership and team building capabilities, as well as excellent communication skills at both the working and senior levels.  This individual will have a team of Advanced Engineers directly reporting to him/her at the Plymouth  Technical Center and will be accountable for:

• Maintaining the New Technology Development project portfolio within their area of responsibility.
• Executing Technology Development projects in the portfolio from concept through transition of the  validated product to customer applications teams.
• Work through the matrix organization to ensure that the new products/technologies are developed on time and meet the functional requirements.
• Driving the principles of new technology development for product development while directly shaping the new technology development process through continuous improvement efforts
• Supporting application development projects as needed, providing technical guidance and recommendations

The engineering manager will be expected to foster collaboration of his/her team and other regional Advanced Product Engineering, Commercial/Sales, Marketing, Advanced Manufacturing, Quality, and Purchasing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage, and grow engineers and technical subject matter experts in North American / European Advanced Engineering team:
  
  • Assess workload and required skill-sets based on project demand and recommend changes
  • Create and manage long and short-term resource plans and budgets
  • Actively support recruiting and hiring of talent
  • Assess training needs and facilitate training for the group
  • Foster collaboration across disciplines and other global sites
  • Define team’s objectives that are in alignment with Tenneco’s corporate goals.
    
    
• Lead development of Advanced Development projects within their area of responsibility:
  • Lead the development of project plans and budgets and be accountable for their execution through assigned project leads.
  • Lead new Product Development project teams in the creation of system functional requirements, boundary diagrams, P-diagrams, FMEAs and DVP&Rs.
  • Oversee design, stakeholders and gate reviews for Product Development projects to assure that market and technical requirements are met.
  • Identify and establish relationships with key partners and vendors to supplement long term technologies strategies.
  • Research technology trends, identify synergies, develop project justification, and gain alignment from Business Units.
    
    

• Support new technology development and application development cross-functional teams with methodologies, tools and resources:
  • Contribute to the development of new technology development processes and tools and work on their continuous improvement.
  • Develop generic templates, methods and standards for the team and coach engineers to create planning documents, requirements/specification documents, verification and validation documents, and other technical documentation.
  • Support from a technology development standpoint Commercial teams during quoting phases for pilot programs and/or new programs.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, papers and presentations both for internal audiences as well as for customers, industry events.
  • Participate and facilitate Monthly new product technology development project reviews, and other Tenneco engineering forums dedicated to technology development.
    
    
• Drive adherence to Tenneco policies and procedures
• Attend training sessions, seminars, and conferences to expand job knowledge and skills and network with academics, regulators, professional colleagues, suppliers, and customers.
• Drive adherence to Tenneco policies and procedures

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

General skills:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (advanced degree in engineering a plus)
• 10+ years of experience developing product technologies and products for powertrain systems.
• 3+ years of experience being responsible for leading project teams of engineers and technicians
• Self-directed with excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proven track record working in team environments, including global collaboration
• Project management
  
  

Specific skills:

• Strong fundamentals in diesel and gasoline engine operation
• Strong understanding of engine component testing methodologies
• Working  knowledge of global emissions regulations and environmental mandates for on-road and off-road applications
• Understanding of the technology direction(s) and evolution of the internal combustion engine
  
  
  

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.