Tech Expert - Wheel Technical Specialist

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.

In this position...
The Global Wheel Technical Specialist is dedicated to expert level, technical support of the wheel and its interfacing systems including, but not limited to:

• Steel wheel
• Cast aluminum wheel
• Carbon fiber wheel
• Wheel ornamentation
• Wheel joint / lug nut
• Valve
• Balance Weight
• Coatings (e.g. paint systems, PVD, E-coat, etc...)
• TMK
• Jack and Tools

The Global Wheel Technical Specialist is responsible for the establishing the processes involved with overall wheel development, throughout all phases of the development process. The Global Wheel TS support all Global EMMs, consults on launch issues to promptly drive resolution, and is technical support for all regions at all phases of the wheel development cycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated technical depth supporting core and applications teams in wheel systems for new and existing technologies
• Train Ford engineers on wheel design theory, and process to achieve wheel performance targets
• Train Ford engineers on wheel manufacturing processes and how to ensure that wheels developed and approved can be robustly manufactured
• Support engineers to resolve issues
• Work with Design Studio, Vehicle Engineering, and the CAE teams to develop wheel designs that deliver on styling, FEA, stiffness, cost, and weight
• Provide leadership for the establishment of wheel performance standards and standards for the wheel development process to reduce the development time required to approve wheel designs and themes
• Develop objective wheel tests to support performance cascades and to deliver DV test efficiencies
• Work with Ford Materials Engineering and suppliers on the development of coatings, specifications, and new technologies.
• Develop the supplier's technical and manufacturing capabilities to meet Ford Motor Company requirements
• Research market and help determine strategy for Commodity Business Plan (CBP).
• Support Pre-PS program wheel & wheel line-up development
• Participate in Chassis Architecture reviews
• Conduct technical and marketing meetings with local supply base and disseminate the information to the Global Core Wheel & Application Wheel team. Maintain market awareness to assure we always have the latest technology available.
• Develop and maintain the supplier's Global DFMEA, PFMEA, and Control Plans to Ford Motor Company requirements
• Develop and maintain all Core documents (e.g., Functional Specifications, Design Rules, SCCAFs, quality documents)
• Review and approve all DVP&R and CDP&R documentation. Integral to Signoff of System/Subsystem/Component with specific signoff responsibility BEFORE Chief Signoff
• Review warranty information and work with Application teams to implement permanent corrective actions
• Have knowledge and provide technical direction in paint coatings, wheel trim, wheel weights, TMK, jack & tools, and other core parts.
• Global point of contact for all wheel technical topics.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering
• 8+ years of industry experience
• Minimum of 6 years Chassis Engineering discipline with focus on wheel development

Even better, you may have...

• Masters Degree in Engineering
• Core experience preferred
• Experience in writing macros (e.g., Excel VBA) to aid in the automation of engineering tools.
• Understanding of GPDS deliverables and basic Ford engineering tools including Teamcenter and buck environment.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or demonstrated understanding and application of DOE techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-starting, self directed
• Detail orientated with a zero-defect mindset
• Ability to work in a globally diverse team
• Strong presentation, written and verbal communication and project management skills
• Ability to handle complex tasks and challenging situations under compressed timing
• Experience communicating with senior leaders, design and release, manufacturing, and suppliers
• Outstanding planning, organizational and project management skills with proper follow-up to accomplish multiple objectives
• Strong Ford+ Leadership Behaviors with demonstrated ability to drive and deliver results
• Effective coaching and mentoring skills
• Ability to build strong effective relationships with cross functional teams (Foundation UNSE, Design and Release, Program Management, Vehicle Operations, and Suppliers)
• Position requires travel to global supplier manufacturing sites as well as FNA facilities to conduct fresh eyes reviews

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 Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will…