Seat System Integration Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • $65,100 - $166,200 • 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! In this position, as a Seat Systems Engineer, you will own the end-to-end design, development, validation, and launch of complete seat systems for upcoming vehicle programs. You will bridge the gap between creative vehicle styling and hard manufacturing reality. Your work will directly impact vehicle safety, cabin comfort, and the overall customer experience. The PD Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements. The PD Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem. The PD Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Mechatronics Engineering or similar.
• 2+ years of experience in automotive interior components or seating systems.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Mechatronics Engineering or similar.
• Proficient in CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX for spatial packaging, surface evaluation, and solid modeling.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, FEA principles, sheet metal stamping, plastic injection molding, and foaming processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical development of complete seat systems (structures, foams, plastics, mechanisms, and trim) from concept to Start of Production (SOP).
• Drive technical deliverables with Tier 1 suppliers, ensuring timing, quality, weight, and cost targets (QWCT) are met
• Partner with Design Styling, Studio Engineering, Crash Safety, and Manufacturing to package seats efficiently within the vehicle cabin.
• Coordinate with other areas to make sure design intent meets all requirements (Seat Complete, Seat Structure, Seat Features, Studio, Safety, Craftsmanship, VO, PVT, Supplier, Tool shop, Purchasing, Finance, Program, etc.)
• Define and execute the Design Verification Plan (DVP&R). Ensure 100% compliance with global safety regulations (FMVSS, ECE) and internal crash requirements.
• Root-cause and resolve technical anomalies during pre-production builds, including Buzz, Squeak, and Rattle (BSR) and craftsmanship issues.
• Design, Develop, Release and Launch seat systems or components through GPDS (PRE-PSC to J1).
• QWCT (Quality, Weight, Cost, Timing) management for assigned parts.
• Attend program related meetings: To4, Seat complete, EMMs, TDRMs, supplier meetings, purchasing meetings, etc. Some of them should be led by the D&R Engineer.
• Create and maintain a timing/Gantt chart (PDP) for assigned parts and project.
• Keep a prevent recurrence actions /lessons learned / required design rules list, and cascade to Core team.

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: Mid Level