Product Development Engineer-Core Seatbelt Subject Matter Expert

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Development Engineer will serve as Ford’s Core Seatbelt Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical guidance to engineering and program teams on Seatbelt innovation, cost, quality, and robust execution. The SME will train, coach, and mentor Product Development engineering teams and other skill teams, and will report to the Core Seatbelt Technical Specialist.

The role supports global Seatbelts technology and program work, including specifications, design rules, testing, benchmarking, modularity, launches, quality improvement, problem solving, warranty reduction, and cost reduction. It involves close collaboration with global engineering teams, suppliers, and other business functions. The position is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar degree.
• At least 5 years of experience in Seatbelt Engineering.
• At least 1 year of CAD experience.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar degree.
• Strong technical background in Seatbelts, Airbags, Gas Generators, interfacing systems, and attributes.
• DFSS Green Belt preferred; if not already held, must be completed within 2 years of hire.
• Strong SPC, DFMEA, DRBFM, and statistical skills.
• Experience with global Tier 1 supplier-sourced commodities and supplier management, particularly concerning quality issues.
• Experience with safety-critical systems and the Critical Concerns Process.
• Knowledge or experience with Ford, Product Development, and Restraints principles, such as GPDS, FEDE, and DPA.
• Experience developing a vehicle program from cradle to grave.
• Ability to lead effectively in a global, multicultural, and multi-supplier environment.
• Open-minded, listen-first attitude and high-energy, respectful approach.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Consistent demonstration of Ford OS behaviors.
• Strong drive for results and ability to understand complex technical issues.
• Understanding of Restraints business and customer needs, including Body Interior safety, a quality and safety mindset, and a high degree of integrity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Core Subject Matter Expert for all Seatbelts.
• Guide and mentor Seatbelt Applications D&Rs.
• Lead or support weekly Seatbelt TDRM and support or guide other weekly TDRMs.
• Write high-quality specifications, design rules, and test methods as required.
• Provide technical guidance on Seatbelt innovation, cost, quality, and execution; deliver training, coaching, and mentoring to Product Development engineering and other skill teams.
• Maintain a Seatbelts technology database and roadmap, including benchmarking, and stay current with Seatbelt and pyrotechnic technologies.
• Support the global Seatbelts Modularity and Business Plan by defining global vehicle current and future needs and attributes and ensuring their implementation.
• Support Seatbelts critical concerns and field service engineering activities and work streams.
• Support problem solving for Seatbelt launch, recall, quality, and field issues.
• Build and maintain a lessons-learned database of best practices for Seatbelt issue resolution.
• Support global Seatbelt launches by working with local Ford engineering teams and suppliers.
• Support Engineering Excellence work streams, including sign-off at major program milestones and CDP&R for Seatbelts.
• Champion benchmarking of key competitors.
• Support design cost-reduction idea generation and implementation of cost reductions in production.
• Support Seatbelt warranty-reduction and quality-improvement targets, including prevention of recurrence.
• Coordinate with global Seatbelts teams to enable technology exchange and aligned work, collaborating closely with Seats and CAE peers.
• Drive maximum commonality for Seatbelts across global commercial and passenger vehicles and regions.
• Maintain a productive work environment with global Seats and Restraints Technology and Program teams, other Product Development areas, Purchasing, FCSD, and Manufacturing.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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