Innovation Engineer; Cockpit & Trim

Position: Innovation Engineer (Cockpit & Trim)
Job Description

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.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)
Patent Disclosures1 disclosure contribution per global team member per year.

More than 1 disclosure OR 1 Patent Granted with a production plan.

Project wins a major award (SPE, Henry Ford, or Ingenious Minds).Process Improvement1 Best Practice or Process Improvement contribution per global team member per year.

Actual application of the improvement as a global tool.

Improvement becomes a new recognized industry standard.

Technology Sourcing2 Tech Shows + 2 Symposiums per global site annually.

Successful implementation of 1 discovered tech from Tech Shows into production.

Discovery of a disruptive tech with major Cost/Quality impact.

Design Thinking
100% of Global Interior Systems community trained (Entry Level).Coordination of workshops that result in production-ready parts.

Innovation approach recognized by Directors and VPs.Project Execution Identification of 1 new technology or efficiency.

Moving an innovation into Advance Engineering (Pre-PS stages).Delivery of a breakthrough tech that is industry disruptive.

Responsibilities

Innovation Leadership

• Council Management:
  Lead the Cockpit, Trim, and Displays Global Innovation Council.
• Workshop Facilitation:
  Run Design Thinking sessions and clinics to solve interior challenges with a customer-centric focus.
• Training Development:
  Propose and update the Innovation Learning Pathway for the global engineering community.

Technology Discovery

• Trend Scouting:
  Research new technologies in automotive and outside industries (electronics, aerospace, etc.).
• Supplier Coordination:
  Organize technology shows with current and new suppliers at all global sites.
• Competitive Analysis:
  Monitor competitor interiors to identify gaps and opportunities for leadership.

Production Integration

• Implementation:
  Work with Marketing and Program teams to ensure ideas reach production vehicles.
• Advanced Engineering:
  Feed innovation concepts into the workstream at Pre-PS stages.
• Simple Design:
  Apply a Keep It Simple approach to maximize output and ensure design solutions are efficient and easy to manufacture.

Intellectual Property

• Patent Filing:
  Identify unique ideas and write Innovation Disclosures for review with Attorneys.
• Efficiency Tracking:
  Monitor part reduction, cost savings, and manufacturing improvements for every implemented idea.
• Global Standardization:
  Turn successful local improvements into global best practices.

Qualifications

Key Characteristics

• Creative Mindset:
  You look at old problems in new ways and find inspiration outside of the automotive world.
• Practical Innovation:
  You believe in innovation that serves a purpose and can actually be built, not just ideas for the sake of ideas.
• Simple Approach:
  You follow a Keep It Simple philosophy, ensuring solutions make sense and avoid unnecessary complexity.
• Results Driven:
  You have a bias for action and a proven track record of finishing projects on time.
• Strong Communicator:
  You can speak clearly with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to keep everyone aligned.

Qualifications

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. A Master's Degree or Certification in Innovation Management is preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Solid background in developing automotive interior parts, specifically in Cockpits, Trim, or Displays.
• Process Knowledge:
  Deep understanding of the Product Development (PD) process from initial concept to the assembly line.
• Patent History: A good record of patent disclosures that have been successfully implemented in vehicles is highly desired.
• Efficiency Focus:
  Proven ability to deliver efficient design solutions that reduce complexity and cost through a Keep It Simple methodology.
• Tool Proficiency:
  Experience leading Design Thinking sessions and using innovation frameworks to drive team output.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to…