Product Development Engineer

Ford • Livonia, MI

12d • $65,100 - $144,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

The automotive industry is quickly moving towards a greater number of new powertrains to meet customer and market demands, many of which are new BEV and Hybrid programs. With this shift, there is an expanding need for differential development for the new and unique powertrain architectures. Differentials perform critical functions and are among the most essential components in powertrains. As the engineer for transmission and driveline differentials, you will have the unique opportunity to own all stages of the product design, development, and release. Your work will span from the product concepts to full scale production, with an emphasis on quality, cost, weight, and functional performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline
• 1 year experience in Microsoft Office
• 1 year of CAD experience

Nice To Haves

• Masters in product development or other engineering discipline
• Industry experience with differential components and assemblies, including disconnects and eLocker technologies.
• Strong knowledge of machining best practices and GD&T
• Working knowledge of CAD and CAE (Catia, 3DX, TeamCenter)
• Applying 8D, fish-bone, and DOE problem solving methodology
• Strong foundation in FMA processes and documentation
• Reviewing CAE models and CAD drawings
• Experience with DVP&R and signing-off on DV tests
• Ability to work independently and demonstrated track record of delivering results in a dynamic technical environment
• Strong communication skills with ability to present information in concise manner
• Ability to balance both a technical and a program management mindset
• Capability of managing multiple projects at a time
• Strong leadership, project, and team building skills – ability to lead teams and drive projects by working effectively with others with a demonstrated ability to work cross-departmentally
• Strong collaborator – willingness to share ideas, documentation, and best practices

Responsibilities

• Develop differential components and assemblies in conjunction with powertrain systems teams, manufacturing teams, and global suppliers.
• Deliver product designs on time to support vehicle program milestones and launch.
• Lead component design, analysis, failure mode avoidance (FMA), and test validation.
• Manage prototype and production build delivery and quality.
• Lead transmission & axle design and release activities for current production and future applications.
• Develop components to meet powertrain and vehicle attributes including strength, durability, and NVH.
• Lead Ford internal and external supplier CPMT (Component Product Management Team) for your components.
• Interface with systems engineering team, Ford manufacturing plants, and component suppliers to meet program objectives for quality, cost, weight, durability, and NVH.
• Lead “Team of 4” cross functional meetings between PD, Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to deliver components to program target costs.
• Interface with CAD/CAE team to deliver optimized designs and identify manufacturing feasibility.
• Create and maintain FMA documents e.g. DFMEA, DVP&R, P-Diagram, Boundary Diagram.
• Deliver Final Engineering Sign-off and production launch at Ford powertrain assembly plants.
• Manage supplier delivery and Ford milestones through Job1. Complete PPAP and production implementation on new programs or changes to existing parts.
• Analyze warranty/test hardware to identify root cause of failure and define corrective actions using 8D tools/methods.
• Benchmark, identify and implement current model quality and cost reduction actions.
• Occasional travel to suppliers or assembly plants may be required.

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: Entry Level