Switch Component Design and Release Engineer

About the role

Ford is seeking an experienced Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic engineer to join our team. The candidate will be responsible for the design, development and release of Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) utilized throughout the vehicle. The candidate will interface with several functional areas to ensure the Switch component being developed performs to customer expectations and Ford requirements. This position will provide a unique and challenging D&R experience combining electrical, mechanical, styling, software, and vehicle-level system performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and release a switch component for specific Programs in collaboration with Program Application Engineer(s).
• Work within a cross-functional team (supplier, Program teams, studio, ergonomics, purchasing).
• Utilize core engineering documents and core design rules to initiate and lead Full-Service Supplier (FSS) delivery of DFMEA, DVP&Rs, 8D’s, and all other program-specific foundation documents.
• Create component specifications, Quality Documents and drawings with the FSS.
• Conduct technical design reviews with the component supplier.
• Support/generate development of Functional Specifications, Engineering Specifications, Diagnostic Specifications as needed.
• Work closely with suppliers and quality group to understand and improve R/1000, TGW concerns.
• Work closely with supplier, purchasing and OCE team to ensure cost targets are met and cost-efficient product is achieved.
• Design, develop and release switch components aligned with Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS) process/milestone deliverables.
• Lead component development/release and component concerns resolution using Ford Product Development tools such as FEDE, FEDEBOM, TYGRA, WERS, VSEM, JIRA/JAMA, eFDVS, CDP&R, Integrator, DEMS/AIMS, etc.
• Attend/Lead/Support Commodity PATs and support Vehicle/Program Launch (as needed).
• Travel to support Ford Assembly Plants and/or Supplier facilities, especially during Program Launch phase.
• Continuously improve D&R process by enhancing requirements based on lessons learned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in component design and release engineering, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision; self-starter.
• Experience working with/within a large, diverse cross-functional team (engineering, purchasing, quality, studio, ergonomics).
• Program/project and supplier management and negotiation experience, including managing Full-Service Suppliers (FSS).
• Hands-on experience developing and reviewing DFMEA, DVP&R, 8D's, and other core engineering/quality documents.
• Working knowledge of component specification creation, technical drawings, and quality documentation.
• Experience conducting technical design reviews with suppliers.
• Understanding of switch, electro-mechanical, or control module component design (e.g., steering column controls, switches, HMI components).
• Knowledge of vehicle development processes and milestone-driven product development (e.g., GPDS or similar structured PD systems).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with Ford (or equivalent OEM) Product Development tools such as FEDE, FEDEBOM, TYGRA, WERS, VSEM, JIRA/JAMA, eFDVS, CDP&R, Integrator, DEMS/AIMS.
• Prior experience with Steering Column Control Modules (SCCM) or similar automotive switch/control components.
• Experience supporting vehicle/program launches.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or related quality/process improvement certification.
• Experience developing Functional, Engineering, or Diagnostic Specifications.

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.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments.
• 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 8 and ranges from $99,100–$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 hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.