Tech Expert - Wheel Technical Specialist

Ford • Dearborn, MI

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Wheel Technical Specialist is dedicated to expert level, technical support of the wheel and its interfacing systems including, but not limited to: Steel wheel, Cast aluminum wheel, Carbon fiber wheel, Wheel ornamentation, Wheel joint / lug nut, Valve, Balance Weight, Coatings (e.g. paint systems, PVD, E-coat, etc…), TMK, Jack and Tools. The Global Wheel TS is responsible for establishing the processes involved with overall wheel development, throughout all phases of the development process. The Global Wheel TS supports all Global EMMs, consults on launch issues to promptly drive resolution, and is technical support for all regions at all phases of the wheel development cycle.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering
• 8+ years of industry experience
• Minimum of 6 years Chassis Engineering discipline with focus on wheel development

Nice To Haves

• Masters Degree in Engineering
• Core experience preferred
• Experience in writing macros (e.g., Excel VBA) to aid in the automation of engineering tools.
• Understanding of GPDS deliverables and basic Ford engineering tools including Teamcenter and buck environment.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or demonstrated understanding and application of DOE techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-starting, self directed
• Detail orientated with a zero-defect mindset
• Ability to work in a globally diverse team
• Strong presentation, written and verbal communication and project management skills
• Ability to handle complex tasks and challenging situations under compressed timing
• Experience communicating with senior leaders, design and release, manufacturing, and suppliers
• Outstanding planning, organizational and project management skills with proper follow-up to accomplish multiple objectives
• Strong Ford+ Leadership Behaviors with demonstrated ability to drive and deliver results
• Effective coaching and mentoring skills
• Ability to build strong effective relationships with cross functional teams (Foundation UNSE, Design and Release, Program Management, Vehicle Operations, and Suppliers)

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated technical depth supporting core and applications teams in wheel systems for new and existing technologies
• Train Ford engineers on wheel design theory, and process to achieve wheel performance targets
• Train Ford engineers on wheel manufacturing processes and how to ensure that wheels developed and approved can be robustly manufactured
• Support engineers to resolve issues
• Work with Design Studio, Vehicle Engineering, and the CAE teams to develop wheel designs that deliver on styling, FEA, stiffness, cost, and weight
• Provide leadership for the establishment of wheel performance standards and standards for the wheel development process to reduce the development time required to approve wheel designs and themes
• Develop objective wheel tests to support performance cascades and to deliver DV test efficiencies
• Work with Ford Materials Engineering and suppliers on the development of coatings, specifications, and new technologies.
• Develop the supplier’s technical and manufacturing capabilities to meet Ford Motor Company requirements
• Research market and help determine strategy for Commodity Business Plan (CBP).
• Support Pre-PS program wheel & wheel line-up development
• Participate in Chassis Architecture reviews
• Conduct technical and marketing meetings with local supply base and disseminate the information to the Global Core Wheel & Application Wheel team. Maintain market awareness to assure we always have the latest technology available.
• Develop and maintain the supplier’s Global DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plans to Ford Motor Company requirements
• Develop and maintain all Core documents (e.g., Functional Specifications, Design Rules, SCCAFs, quality documents)
• Review and approve all DVP&R and CDP&R documentation. Integral to Signoff of System/Subsystem/Component with specific signoff responsibility BEFORE Chief Signoff
• Review warranty information and work with Application teams to implement permanent corrective actions
• Have knowledge and provide technical direction in paint coatings, wheel trim, wheel weights, TMK, jack & tools, and other core parts.
• Global point of contact for all wheel technical topics.

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: Senior