Seat Structure Product Development Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?
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 Seat Structure Engineer is responsible for the design and release of seat components and/or systems to meet vehicle program requirements. Focus is on delivery of key program milestones, engineering deliverables, cost, weight and quality. This includes delivery of all engineering requirements (DFMEA, Verification Testing, Prototype Tooling & Parts, Launch, etc…) according to the content of the assigned programs.
The Seats Structure Engineer interacts with multiple activities (Program Team, CAE/CAD, Finance, Purchasing, VO, STA, Suppliers and others) to complete the development of a program, from Technology Strategy Confirmed (TSC) milestone to Job 1 (J1). Current model cost and quality deliverables as well as some core engineering elements are included in the position responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field required
• 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry.
• Knowledge of the full product development cycle, including launch experience in at least one vehicle.
• Strong understanding and experience with fundamental engineering tools and processes such as DFMEA, CAE, CAD, GD&T.
• Experience in manufacturing processes (injection molding, metal stamping, foam pouring, trim development, welding, mechanical fastening) and CAE analysis.
• English advanced proficiency required. Ability to lead and maintain fluid conversations.
• Proficient communication and presentation skills required. Ability to communicate ideas concisely and effectively in verbal and written form, and to all levels of the organization.
• Advanced people skills required. Ability to get solutions and/or recommendations for issues aligned with cross functional teams, and willingness to take accountability of the issue during early stages of resolution. Ability to build effective teams and work relationships.
• Project management skills required. Ability to create and execute timing plans to ensure product delivery. Create and maintain issue resolution trackers to make sure the plans are followed.
• Ability to identify and resolve system problems or issues and make decisions based on data. Experience with problem solving tools such as 8D, root cause analysis, etc.
• Must be willing to travel as required in support of the program deliverables (studio collaboration, testing, prototyping, launch).

Nice To Haves

• Product engineering or Design and Release of Seat Structure experience/background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Design, Release, Validation, and Launch of seat components and/or systems for new model vehicle programs.
• Will be responsible for all phases of engineering and integration - design concept, production release, validation, product launch.
• Lead full-service suppliers in engineering, package, and assembly feasibility for responsible components on time and within cost and weight targets to meet performance objectives.
• Manage supplier design development to support all Engineering, Production Tool Kick-off, and Build Milestones on time.
• Provide on-site support for all prototype and pre-production build phases.
• Manage Engineering sourcing deliverables with Purchasing, Finance, and Suppliers (Statement of Work (ESOW), Engineering Concepts (EC), Bill of material (FEDEBOM)).
• Validate designs through the Ford design validation process, resolving all issues in a timely manner.
• Contribute to corporate and department cost reduction (TVM) and quality objectives.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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