Design & Release Engineer - Body Interior

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
In this position...
The D&R (Design & Release) Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, release, and implementation of Body Interior components and systems for assigned vehicle programs. This includes leading the development of master sections and ensuring all aspects of the design contribute to manufacturing efficiency, cost optimization, quality, craftsmanship, ergonomics, serviceability and overall vehicle performance. The D&R engineer is responsible for designing parts that comply with Corporate and Legal Requirements, signing off on compliance to Engineering Requirements, ES (Engineering Specifications), DR (Design Rules), and Manufacturing, Assembly, and Service requirements. The engineer is also responsible for parts incorporation at the Assembly Plant and addressing any design, fit/finish, or assembly issues during launch.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• 2 years of experience with body interior components in an automotive domain.
• 1 year of CAD experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of vehicle functions and specific solid knowledge of Body Interior systems and components (Door Trim/ IP /Hard Trim/Console).
• Vision and deep knowledge of the automotive industry environment.
• Strong 3D CAD knowledge (opening files, visualization, measurements, model transfer, etc.) and experience with CAE studies.
• Solid knowledge of materials properties.
• Solid knowledge of interior trim production processes.
• Experience in craftsmanship and ergonomics principles.
• Solid experience with Studio Development processes and appearance feasibility.
• Effective Project Management skills and effective cross-functional communication.
• Microsoft Office management (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Comply with Program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets, including meeting GPDS Program Milestone Deliverables.
• Understand and apply the GPDS (Global Product Development System) process.
• Comply with and establish/maintain Program Specific Robustness Engineering Disciplines (Quality History, P–Diagram, DFMEA, SCCAF, Boundary Diagram, Campaign Prevent, Reliability and Robustness Checklist, etc.) as required.
• Develop, lead, and maintain Program Specific ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work). Participate in the Sourcing or Re-sourcing Process (Lead To4 and To5, piece price and tooling cost reviews), and lead CPA package development to ensure all documents (including Attachment III, Eng BOM, quote assumptions, Engineering specs, Design rules, DFMEA, SC & CC list) are complete and handed off to Purchasing on time.
• Support Studio Development at all stages (K1-K6) and identify Studio Surface for high-risk Fit and Finish Issues and appearance feasibility process.
• Conduct package studies and Lead development of Master Sections, including attributes for Manufacturing, Cost, Timing, Safety, Quality, Assembly, Craftsmanship, and Ergonomics.
• Lead CAE Studies (Attachments, Robustness, etc.) and manage CAD model transfer to and from suppliers.
• Complete Engineering Design by FDJ and all Studio Surface Transfer by UPV2.
• Apply Six Sigma and 8D issue resolution methodologies, including writing deviations and non-conformance agreements.
• Lead component design reviews and follow the TDR process (Technical Design Review).
• Release parts in FEDEBOM and WERS throughout the product life cycle, utilizing FEDE/WERS as the master program BOM including key attribute data for all parts. Support the Change Control Meeting, lead interface to program change control, and write 2-pagers to request changes, obtaining all necessary information from suppliers.
• Audit and update the BOM (Bill of Material) with correct part levels and usages for prototype builds and maintain it post Job 1. This includes replacing surrogate BOM with real BOM (PS to PSC), ensuring and maintaining CAD to BOM alignment throughout the program, initial loading of final assembly part numbers from surrogate BOM (pre-PS), assigning costs to prototype build BOM, and completing VP BOM validation to ensure proper parts are ordered and all buildable combinations are correct.
• Identify validation, durability, and functional tests required as per Engineering Requirements & ES (DVP / FEDEWB). Establish and maintain Program Specific DVP, meeting all First Pass DV testing by PEC, and completing sign-off of DVP&R with all test reports uploaded by FEC.
• Resolve DPA1 through 5, support (or lead as required) the PMT process, including change management meetings and/or open issues lists (including AIMS), and develop/maintain an Open Issues list for reporting design changes, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead parts implementation/Sign-off in the assembly plant and provide assistance with quality issues at all milestones. Lead resolution of any Design, Fit/Finish, Assembly component issues during launch and provide guidance once in production.
• Review and act upon PDLs (Product Design Letters) if affected.
• Support VQR, VRTs, and PVT as required.
• Jointly with STA (Supplier Technical Assistance), provide technical assistance to suppliers through the Supplier Engagement Process and PPAP completion. Support or lead as required Component PPAP (DFMEA, PFMEA, SC/CC list, Control Plan, Supplement K, etc.) and Supplier Readiness Reviews.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level