Interior Design Surface Feasibility Leader

Ford • Dearborn, MI

21h • 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! The position provides an engineer the opportunity to evaluate cutting edge interior designs across many vehicle lines, with the intent of providing craftsmanship, manufacturing, cost and assembly feasibility. The K-Loop process requires the supervisor and reporting commodity engineers to have a depth of understanding regarding injection mold tool design, IMG and wrapping constraints, film applications and FMVSS safety requirements. In this role you will be required to review a clay model, scan or theme surfaces/rendering to quickly evaluate the design and provide feedback to the studio team, with 2D sections and K Loop documentation. From surface release to feedback documentation is 3 weeks, for our effected interior commodities which are I/P, Console, Door Trim panels, Hard trim and Headliner systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) or a relevant technical discipline.
• 5 years of experience in automotive interior component design with a focus on packaging and serviceability.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• 5 years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role, managing technical teams.
• CAD Catia / 3DX capable with extensive knowledge of TCE.
• Ability to draw 2D feasibility sections to participate in team design reviews.
• Knowledge of injection mold tooling, design, and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of geometric integration across commodities, 2D CAD geometric compatibility/optimization.
• Experience working in a studio environment.
• 5-10 years Design & Release, Design Studio, or related experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across diverse global teams and all levels of management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives.
• Experience with benchmarking and competitive analysis in the automotive industry.
• Ability to travel globally as required to support program needs and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Co-create with the Design Studio to provide feasibility for Class A surface development, per GPDS 3.0 K-loop process:
• Develop 2D studio CAD sections to address component, manufacturing, craftsmanship & design styling requirements.
• Resolve Class A design styling issues & implement solutions into K-Loop EOD (End of Discovery) sections.
• Provide 3D CAD engineering proposals, as needed, to direct surface development as needed.
• Develop EOD documentation & cascade to design post each K-Loop milestone.
• Input DDCL functional engineering deliverables.
• Own & input into Feasibility Roll-up status & next steps.
• Evaluate studio surface for fit and finish, craftsmanship requirements and EOD direction.
• Key interface for D&R engineers for Class A related issues & lead discussions with Design Studio.
• Manage headcount & purchase service budget.

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: Manager