Switch Component Design and Release Engineer

Ford Motor Company • Dearborn, MI

15h • $99,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford is seeking an experienced Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic engineer to design, develop, and release Steering Column Control Modules (SCCMs) used throughout its vehicles. The role works with Program Application Engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure switch components meet customer expectations and Ford requirements. It combines electrical, mechanical, styling, software, and vehicle-level system performance, and follows Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS). The position is hybrid; candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub may be required to work onsite four or more days per week. Some travel to Ford assembly plants and supplier facilities is required, especially during program launches.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in component design and release engineering, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and demonstrate initiative.
• Experience working with or within large, diverse cross-functional teams, including engineering, purchasing, quality, studio, and ergonomics.
• Program/project and supplier management and negotiation experience, including managing full-service suppliers.
• Hands-on experience developing and reviewing DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, 8Ds, and other core engineering or quality documents.
• Working knowledge of component specification creation, technical drawings, and quality documentation.
• Experience conducting technical design reviews with suppliers.
• Understanding of switch, electromechanical, or control module component design, such as steering column controls, switches, or HMI components.
• Knowledge of vehicle development processes and milestone-driven product development, such as GPDS or similar structured product development systems.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with Ford or equivalent OEM product development tools, including FEDE, FEDEBOM, TYGRA, WERS, VSEM, JIRA/JAMA, eFDVS, CDP&R, Integrator, or DEMS/AIMS.
• Prior experience with SCCMs or similar automotive switch or control components.
• Experience supporting vehicle or program launches.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or related quality or process improvement certification.
• Experience developing Functional, Engineering, or Diagnostic Specifications.

Responsibilities

• Work with Program Application Engineers to design, develop, and release switch components for specific programs.
• Collaborate with suppliers, program teams, studio, ergonomics, and purchasing in a cross-functional team.
• Use core engineering documents and design rules to initiate and lead supplier delivery of DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, 8Ds, and other program-specific foundation documents.
• Create component specifications, quality documents, and drawings with the full-service supplier.
• Conduct technical design reviews with component suppliers.
• Support or generate Functional, Engineering, and Diagnostic Specifications as needed.
• Work with suppliers and the quality group to understand and improve R/1000 and TGW concerns.
• Work with suppliers, purchasing, and the OCE team to meet cost targets and achieve cost-efficient products.
• Develop and release switch components in alignment with Ford GPDS process and milestone deliverables.
• Lead component development, release, and concern resolution using Ford product development tools.
• Attend, lead, or support Commodity PATs and support vehicle or program launches as needed.
• Travel to Ford assembly plants and supplier facilities as needed, especially during program launches.
• Continuously improve the design and release process by enhancing requirements based on lessons learned.

Benefits

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