Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Languages
Timeline
Nicole Waters

Nicole Waters

Program Management Engineering Lead
Leonard,MI

Summary

A seasoned leader with a proven track record at Stellantis, I excel in program management and communication, driving teams across the globe to exceed 100% of key performance targets. My expertise in propulsion systems and knack for problem resolution have delivered significant cost savings and efficiency enhancements, showcasing my ability to lead under pressure with meticulous attention to detail. Seasoned executive with background in developing strategic initiatives that drive business growth. Strong leadership skills with ability to manage cross-functional teams and foster collaborative environments. Proven track record of improving operational efficiency while maintaining high quality standards. Skilled in negotiation, project management, and financial oversight, with significant impact on bottom-line results.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Advisory Board SECS

Oakland University
Rochester, MI
12.2024 - Current
  • Assisted OU SECS in achieving key objectives through targeted educational initiatives

Global Director - Engineering Propulsion Systems

Stellantis
Auburn Hills, MI
01.2022 - 10.2024
  • Led a diverse team of 100 professionals in cost reduction and benchmarking initiatives across multiple countries, including the USA, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Morocco, China, and India
  • Managed an annual operating budget of €20 million, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing cost efficiency
  • Exceeded 100% of key performance targets for direct material costs within a €43 billion global propulsion system portfolio, covering conventional gas, diesel, and electrified technologies
  • Delivered timely and competitive benchmarking analyses for conventional and electrified powertrains, facilitating informed strategic decision-making at the C-suite level

Global Controls Manager - Controls and Software Engineering

Stellantis
Auburn Hills, MI
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Managed program development for propulsion system-level controls in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs), and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs)
  • Achieved all key performance metrics, successfully meeting cost and timeline objectives utilizing Agile Methodology
  • Led the successful launch of the CityBEV (500e) propulsion controls and software systems in Europe while developing pre-production plans for the Challenger/Charger and RAM multi-energy architecture EV portfolios
  • Directed a global team of 10 employees, promoting collaboration and innovation across diverse locations

Senior Manager - Vehicle Quality Reliability Engineering

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Auburn Hills, MI
01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Managed program risk metrics for engineering reliability throughout the pre-production lifecycle of vehicle and powertrain systems, including hardware, software, calibration, and onboard diagnostics
  • Led a cross-functional team of 34 members and managed a $16 million budget for vehicle and powertrain reliability testing across North American fleets
  • Developed and executed a comprehensive pre-production strategy integrating multiple vehicle reliability and durability tests, enhancing focus on powertrain systems, onboard diagnostics, tailpipe emissions, and infotainment systems, achieving $6 million in cost savings
  • Leveraged extensive knowledge of world-class standards and technical operations to provide high-quality engineering assessments for hardware, diagnostics, OBD systems, tailpipe emissions, and infotainment technologies

Senior Manager - Powertrain Quality Reliability Engineering

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Auburn Hills, MI
01.2012 - 01.2019
  • Led a team of 45 professionals to ensure readiness of pre-production dyno durability and test fleets, achieving launch readiness metrics within a $10M budget
  • Developed and implemented a corporate engineering reliability methodology, ensuring compliance with durability standards and regulatory requirements for engines, transmissions, onboard diagnostics, and electrified powertrain systems
  • Created an event-based reliability testing schedule for dog-clutch transmission shift control, resulting in a six-month reduction in development time and a new corporate standard for validating transmission shift quality and mild hybrid diagnostics

Education

Diverse Leaders Program -

University of Michigan Ross School of Business, Ann Arbor, MI
10.2023

M.S. - Mechanical Engineering

Oakland University, Rochester, MI
01.1970

Skills

  • Leadership Experience
  • Program Management
  • Communication skills
  • Problem resolution
  • Task prioritization
  • Calm under pressure
  • Attention to detail
  • Leadership
  • Microsoft office
  • Microsoft Office
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Time management
  • Organization and time management

Awards

  • US Patent 6277045
  • VP Quality Award (W5A580 Transmission)
  • VP Quality Award (Hemi Engine)

Languages

  • English
  • American Sign Language

Timeline

Executive Advisory Board SECS - Oakland University
12.2024 - Current
Global Director - Engineering Propulsion Systems - Stellantis
01.2022 - 10.2024
Global Controls Manager - Controls and Software Engineering - Stellantis
01.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Manager - Vehicle Quality Reliability Engineering - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
01.2019 - 01.2020
Senior Manager - Powertrain Quality Reliability Engineering - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
01.2012 - 01.2019
University of Michigan Ross School of Business - Diverse Leaders Program,
Oakland University - M.S., Mechanical Engineering

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Nicole WatersProgram Management Engineering Lead