Systems Engineering Team (SET) Lead

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $115,500 - $218,100 • 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!

The SET zone for this role consists of the following sub-systems of the vehicle:
Pick-up trucks – box structure, tailgate system, hardware/locks/mechanisms, box top moldings, exterior trim, exterior lighting, electrical distribution system
SUV’s – liftgate system, backlite, rear wiper / washer system, exterior trim, rear exterior lighting, hardware/locks/mechanisms, dynamic sealing, interior liftgate trim, electrical distribution system, rear fascias
Manage SET zone, through Systems Design methodology, to identify and deliver cost / weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvement, labor savings, and service efficiency.
Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers and understand their technical capabilities.
Champion trade-off discussions using data to balance targets for assigned SET zone and co-lead content and attribute proposals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering.
Lead SET zone target setting, through extensive benchmarking and leverage Core Engineering team opportunities / technology.
Collaborate with team members and external partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and integration from a systems perspective according to assigned vehicle zone and content.
Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to optimize designs, resolve issues, and deliver all Program Milestones on-time / on-target. Often leading review with Ford leadership.
Drive SET Adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.
Drive cross-functional issue resolution (including program, finance, quality, attribute, manufacturing, STA, studio, suppliers, etc.). Support escalation when needed.
Collaborate with SET members and external partners for System Level Engineering Sign-Off and handover to Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• 5+ years of experience with one or more of the following systems: liftgate / tailgates, rear end exterior / interior trim, hardware/locks/mechanisms, rear lighting, rear fascias / bumpers
• Capability to pull down CAD in CATIA v.5 or 3DX and create sections / take measurements.
• Must have the knowledge of Systems Engineering Fundamental and Design Thinking
• Demonstrates critical thinking, courage, humility, decisiveness, flexibility, knowledge, vision, communications.
• Ability to work in dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (open, clear, and inclusive)
• Excellent leadership skills with demonstrated ability to deliver results.
• Demonstrated organizational & delegation skills with proper follow-up.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload managing immediate and future needs.
• Ability to build strong effective relationships with cross functional teams (Program, Studio, Purchasing, Finance, Engineering).
• Strong technical capability and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English Speaking and Writing.
• Onsite collaboration required for at least 4-days per week.
• Willingness to travel on limited basis for assembly plant line walks, supplier site visits, and benchmarking exercises.

Nice To Haves

• Design & Release Engineering, Systems Engineering or Vehicle Engineering experience is preferred.
• Master’s in Systems Engineering or Engineering preferred.
• 10+ years’ experience in product engineering design environment.
• Demonstrated Production Launch experience.
• Demonstrated experience with program management.
• Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of the Cost Process and Functional Led Cost/Appearance Delivery Process.
• Effective coaching skills.
• Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of Global Product Development Systems processes.
• Strong understanding of Teamcenter, Bill of Materials management.
• CAD authoring capability in CATIA v.5 or 3DX.

Responsibilities

• Manage SET zone, through Systems Design methodology, to identify and deliver cost / weight efficiencies, component part reductions, quality improvement, labor savings, and service efficiency.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Tier 1 suppliers and understand their technical capabilities.
• Champion trade-off discussions using data to balance targets for assigned SET zone and co-lead content and attribute proposals with Program Chief Engineering and Vehicle Engineering.
• Lead SET zone target setting, through extensive benchmarking and leverage Core Engineering team opportunities / technology.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners on packaging, weight, cost, labor, timing, and integration from a systems perspective according to assigned vehicle zone and content.
• Lead Systems Technical Design and Compatibility Reviews to optimize designs, resolve issues, and deliver all Program Milestones on-time / on-target. Often leading review with Ford leadership.
• Drive SET Adherence to Systems Engineering Operating Principles.
• Drive cross-functional issue resolution (including program, finance, quality, attribute, manufacturing, STA, studio, suppliers, etc.). Support escalation when needed.
• Collaborate with SET members and external partners for System Level Engineering Sign-Off and handover to Hardware Integration and Application Engineering teams.

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: Manager