Product Development Engineer – Core Handles Engineer

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

About the role

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 HLM Handles Core Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, release and implementation of handle mechanisms into vehicle closures (hoods/frunks, side doors, tailgates, liftgates, decklids). You will also drive for design improvements to increase quality and optimize cost/weight throughout development as well as through the production life of the products. In addition, you will lead the suppliers and guide the design of the HLM-Handles components, achieving compliance to Requirements & Design Rules, managing attributes (package, design feasibility, NVH, water management, craftsmanship, crash safety) as well as the manufacturing assembly requirements at the assembly plant(s).

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the HLM suppliers to comply with program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets.
• Understand GPDS (Global Product Development System) and create plans to deliver on time.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces of the Handles Mechs are evaluated and validated.
• Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
• Perform and/or review & sign off technical analyses of component/system functional and packaging studies such as: dimensional stackups (GD&T layouts), CAE’s, dynamic calculations and simulations, etc.
• Actively participate in the Technical Design Reviews.
• Release and update parts in FEDEBOM and WERS through the product life cycle.
• Review and sign-off CAD in Teamcenter.
• Compile, document, sign-off, and present evidence of compliance to all applicable design rules and requirements.
• Develop HLM System Core documents including Engineering specifications, DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, & DVP&Rs.
• Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
• Develop ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work), EC (Engineering concepts) and participate in the Sourcing Process (SOBA, ED&T review, piece cost and tooling cost review).
• Identify validation, durability and functional tests required as per SDS & ES. (DVP / FEDE).
• Address issues with root cause analysis (8Ds, 3x5Why) and permanent corrective actions implementation. Apply knowledge of six sigma principles.
• Define and verify engineering prototypes requirements at part level.
• Parts implementation/Sign-off at assembly plant & assistance with quality issues at all milestones.
• Review impact of PDL revisions and proceed accordingly if affected.
• Collaborate with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement Process.
• Deliver by applying the One Ford Behaviors.
• Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required. Travel to North America plants when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of plastics, molding processes and related CAE’s.
• CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.
• Ability to travel domestically and international.
• Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, and Power Point.

Qualifications

• Preferred Experience in design and release of Handles mechanisms, closure systems, or related mechanism applications.
• Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
• 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with DFMEA's, PFMEA's, and SCCAF's.
• Knowledgeable in the Phased PPAP process.
• Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T.
• Ability to work in a fluid environment when overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location are not always known.
• Ability to solve complex system issues and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as required.

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.

Pay

This position is a salary grade 6-8 and ranges from $74,300 - $166,200. Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Schedule

This position is onsite. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.