(December 1, 2010) Spurred by the company’s five-year business plan and additional expansion into the small- and mid-range vehicle segments, Chrysler Group plans to hire 1000 new engineers and other technical personnel by the end of first quarter 2011.

“Since June 2009, we’ve added approximately 5000 new employees, including 1000 engineers and technical personnel,” said Lisa Wicker, Chrysler Group’s director of Talent Acquisition & Corporate Diversity, “and we need to add more. We’re actively looking for smart and creative engineers who want to play a vital role in the future success of Chrysler.

“We need both recent college grads and those with proven experience,” she added.

 While Chrysler seeks engineers in all fields, it is particularly interested in those with electrical, mechanical and manufacturing engineering backgrounds and education. Most of the new hires will likely work at the corporate headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., but there may be opportunities at other locations, according to Wicker.

The new engineers will be tasked with developing new small and mid-sized fuel-efficient cars, engines and transmissions, according to Wicker. The company plans to launch several new models during the next four years that are based on Fiat platforms.