Product Development Engineer – Latching Mechanisms

Product Development Engineer – Latching Mechanisms

Dearborn, MI, United States (Hybrid)

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.

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!

In this position… The HLM Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, release and implementation of handles, locks, and 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 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).

What you’ll do…

• 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 HLM components 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 documents including 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 (8
  
  Ds, 3x5
  
  Why) 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.

You'll have…

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of engineering experience in design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms. Can include experience from internships and coursework.
• CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
• The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative and…