Product Engineer - Seating Systems

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams! With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow's transportation.?

Ford Model E is responsible for developing the key technologies and capabilities - such as EV platforms, batteries, e-motors, inverters, charging and recycling - to create ground-up breakthrough electric vehicles. By joining the best software, engineering, design and UX talent, you will be a part of creating new technologies and concepts that can be applied across the Ford enterprise. Being on the Ford Model E team means building the future as Ford's center of innovation and growth through electric and connected vehicles and services.?

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Current Seating commodities include structures, mechanisms, actuators, cushions, wire harnesses, controllers, sensors, software, trims and so on. However, future seating solutions are not limited to these. Progression is targeted. A seat can be defined as a product which enables comfortable support for vehicular occupants. In some sense, a seat can be viewed as a moving robotic structural art piece.?

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Team members typically play dual roles as experts and polymaths. Each team member typically uses their expertise as a superpower to complement the team. You shall be part of the Seating Engineering Team which resides within Ford Model E -Vehicle Engineering Group.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute and help develop seat system design, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards

• Define the overall seat architecture, establish best practices for installation, and oversee all validation activities.

• Collaborate closely with the Industrial Design team to develop surface and texture specifications for seat cushion fabric materials.

• Work in partnership with the Ergonomics and Vehicle Architecture teams to ensure seamless integration of the seating system.

• Provide technical support to address any production concerns related to the seating system.

• Create detailed CAD models and 2D drawings using Catia V5/Team Center software.

• Support supplier-initiated design changes and actively participate in resolving quality issues, guided by experienced engineering team members.

• Develop Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) documents and Design Verification Plans (DVPs), under the guidance of senior engineers.

• Work closely with program teams to adhere to the established Product Development Process and ensure timely delivery of design deliverables.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience as a Seating Systems Engineer with a comprehensive understanding of seat design principles, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regulations, seating system testing procedures, and seat structure Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis methods.

• Demonstrated knowledge of various automotive systems, including Instrument Panels, Steering Wheels, Door Trims, Hard Trims, Soft Trims, Plastic, and Rubber parts.

• Ability to effectively understand and define seating system comfort requirements, ensuring a positive user experience.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proven track record of proposing solutions to enhance seating system performance.

• A proactive approach to learning and incorporating new technologies into product development.

• Proficiency in CAD modeling software, with a preference for Catia V5.

• Familiarity with common design quality tools, including:

• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)

• Design Verification Plan (DVP)

• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

• Design for Assembly (DFA)

• Basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.

Desired Skills:

• Experience designing parts for various manufacturing processes, including Injection Molding, foam fabrication, seating structure construction, or Structural Trim Optimization (STO) components.

• Experience working within the Automotive or Commercial vehicle industry.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional, global team environment.

• A strong aptitude for creative problem-solving and innovative thinking.

• Demonstrated teamwork skills, with a proven ability to interface effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned tasks.

The minimum requirements we seek: ?

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• At least 5 years of experience in product design/development and/or seating systems or components.

• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, and releasing seating system or components.

• 2+ years of experience using 3D CAD software collaboratively (Catia V5/V6, 3DX, etc.)

• 2+ year of experience in the production release process

• 1+ year of experience in a factory setting launching a new product?

What you'll receive in return:

As part of the Ford family, you'll enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation and much more. You'll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to have you join us.Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

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Requisition ID : 35239