By Em Jankauski
Chase Williams is one of Stellantis’ recent hires. The now validation engineer is a BattChallenge alum, having served as both the engineering manager and Thermal Management Team lead for the University of California, Merced & Merced College team.
Let’s catch up with Williams and learn about his new gig in a fun Q&A.
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Q: You previously interned at Stellantis. What was your internship focused on, and how did it impact your career readiness?
A: “My internship during the summer of 2025 was focused on powertrain dynamometer equipment. It helped me become career-ready by giving me firsthand experience with Stellantis’ engineering tools and processes.
“I also gained insight into the company culture and had the chance to collaborate with talented teams across different departments. That exposure helped me build confidence and a strong professional network that continues to support me in my current role.”
Q: How did being involved in the BattChallenge prepare you for your role at Stellantis?
A: “It gave me practical experience in team leadership, technical problem-solving and project execution.
“The structure and expectations of the competition mirrored real-world industry practices, which made the transition into a professional engineering environment much smoother.
“It also taught me how to communicate effectively across disciplines, which is an essential skill in a large, collaborative company like Stellantis.”
Q: What made you want to work for Stellantis?
A: “The reason I wanted to work for Stellantis was because of the company’s strong commitment to innovation in electrified mobility and its collaborative work environment. I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies while being part of a team that values growth and sustainability.”
Q: What’s the coolest or most interesting part about working for Stellantis?
A: “One of the most interesting parts about working for Stellantis is being surrounded by so many different departments and teams all in one place at the Chrysler Headquarters and Technology Center.
“Having everyone under the same roof makes it easier to collaborate, solve problems quickly, and build strong relationships with coworkers. It creates a dynamic and supportive environment where ideas can flow freely and innovation happens every day.”
Q: How is the work you’re doing at Stellantis making a difference in our everyday lives?
A: “The work I do is important because it helps bring electric vehicles to life in a safe, reliable and efficient way. By developing and validating Electric Drive Modules, E-Motors and Power Inverter Modules, I help ensure that the systems powering our EVs perform as expected under real-world conditions. This means better driving experiences, longer vehicle lifespans and a cleaner environment for everyone.
“My work supports Stellantis’ mission to lead in sustainable mobility and make advanced electric technology accessible to everyday drivers.”
Q: What advice do you have for current BattChallengers?
A: “Take full advantage of the hands-on experience and team collaboration. Treat every challenge as a learning opportunity, ask questions and build relationships with mentors and peers. The skills and mindset you develop will be incredibly valuable in your future career, especially in fast-paced, innovative industries like automotive engineering.”
