Margaret Brach
Sterling Heights
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at FCA and Ford Motor Company, specializing in vehicle electrification and technical integration management. Demonstrated expertise in multi-disciplinary team leadership and structured issue resolution, successfully launching full vehicles as well as high-voltage battery systems. Proven ability to manage complex projects while enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring robust product development. Career aspirations include further advancing electric vehicle technologies, and driving sustainability initiatives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
PLATFORM MANAGER – HV BATTERY SYSTEMS (MARINE)
Freudenberg EPS
06.2024 - Current
- Responsible for two direct reports, Cell and Pack Development for cruise ships, cargo ships, ferries, and shipyards.
- Execute program deliverables from cradle to grave by monitoring the Iron Triangle of Program Management (cost, timing, and scope).
DIRECTOR – ME/EE HW ENGINEERING
LG Energy Solutions
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Responsible for 3 direct reports, 30 indirect reports for high voltage battery module/pack design and implementation in North America
- Responsible for all current production plants, including production and process improvements.
- Led change management efforts to adapt to market shifts and organizational needs.
Chief Engineer/Powertrain Integration Manager
Stellantis
Auburn Hills
10.2011 - 05.2022
- Implementing current production continuous improvement on PHEV programs (Pacifica, Renegade, Cherokee) in NA, EU, and China for all PHEV programs – concentrating on process and cost improvements.
- Develop primary high-voltage battery propulsion functional objectives for future programs.
- Directed technical processes supporting various functional areas in vehicle programs.
- Leadership in understanding how customer requirements translate into engineering requirements, developing functional and performance objectives, and ensuring deliverables are met for process gateways per the corporate development plan.
Program/Launch Manager
CODA Automotive
05.2010 - 10.2011
- Managed all program deliverables from pre-production build phase through production.
- Managing vehicle BOM development, Issue Management and Change Management ensuring robust technical resolution and timely implementation of design changes (co-located at the manufacturing facility in Harbin, China) for an all-electric, zero emission vehicle
- Lead appropriate cross-functional, international team members, assigned tasks, monitored & reported progress to Leadership.
- Ensured robust launch issue resolution (root cause analysis or crisis response), moving the team forward to resolve issues affecting launch plans and execution at the manufacturing facility.
DIRECTOR - ENGINEERING & DESIGN
PlayCore, LLC
07.2007 - 03.2010
- Implemented Product Life Cycle corporate timing plans for new products.
- Managed 4 direct reports and 24 indirect employees across 3 departments (engineering, supply chain management, and design).
- Implemented FEA software and a durability testing program to improve product robustness in the field improving cost of quality (warranty) and perceived craftsmanship to the customer
Technical Leader Positions
Ford Motor Co
Dearborn
06.1989 - 03.2007
- Various positions, including Launch Leader (executing over 10 launches), Technical Commodity Leader (for door and glass systems), Vehicle Integration, and Body Integration.
- Monitored and resolved over 300 issues, resolution plans, and implementation strategies to enable flawless launches across five vehicle lines.
- Worked internationally in Germany, England, and Japan.
Previous Employment
Allied Signal, Arvin Industries
Education
BS - Mechanical Engineering
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, INMSA - International Administration
Central Michigan University
Dearborn, MISkills
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Leadership
- Process Driven System Integration
- Vehicle Electrification
- Lean Manufacturing Principles (6 Sigma, 5S, Kaizen)
- Structured Issue Resolution (8D, DOE, 5-Why, Fishbone)
- New Product Launch
- Design Analysis (FMEA, FEA, DVP&R, DFSS, DFA/DFM)
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Engineering/Program Management experience
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Technical staff collaboration
Affiliations
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Education And Professional Affiliations
- BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
- MSA, International Administration, Central Michigan University, Dearborn, MI
Critical Skill Set
- Program Management process/principles
- Multi-Disciplinary Team Leadership
- Process Driven System Integration
- Vehicle Electrification
- Lean Manufacturing Principles (6 Sigma, 5S, Kaizen)
- Continuous Process Improvement
- Structured Issue Resolution (8D, DOE, 5-Why, Fishbone)
- Design Analysis (FMEA, FEA, DVP&R, DFSS, DFA/DFM)
Timeline
PLATFORM MANAGER – HV BATTERY SYSTEMS (MARINE)
Freudenberg EPS
06.2024 - Current
DIRECTOR – ME/EE HW ENGINEERING
LG Energy Solutions
05.2022 - 05.2024
Chief Engineer/Powertrain Integration Manager
Stellantis
10.2011 - 05.2022
Program/Launch Manager
CODA Automotive
05.2010 - 10.2011
DIRECTOR - ENGINEERING & DESIGN
PlayCore, LLC
07.2007 - 03.2010
Technical Leader Positions
Ford Motor Co
06.1989 - 03.2007
Previous Employment
Allied Signal, Arvin Industries
BS - Mechanical Engineering
University of Notre Dame
MSA - International Administration
Central Michigan University
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