Lighting Optical 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.

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!

Ford Motor Company is seeking an Interior Lighting – Product Design Engineer with a strong optical engineering focus to join our Product Design team in Dearborn, MI. This is a professional engineering role that applies optical design and simulation expertise to develop body interior lighting systems, guiding designs from concept through optical validation, production release, and launch.

• Professional position utilizing engineering education and experience to design and simulate body interior lighting systems.
• Will be responsible for supporting all phases of engineering from design concept to production release.
• Will work with Design Studio, D&R Engineers, and CAD designers globally to develop 3D CAD models and optical simulations which meet appearance and functional requirements.
• Will utilize design tools such as Catia V5 and Speos, to develop efficient designs which meet customer expectations.
• Will ensure designs meet tooling and manufacturing feasibility.
• Will support validation of designs through the Ford DV process, resolving all issues in a timely manner.
• Will provide design support /issue resolution of all launch issues associated with interior lighting.
• Will provide support for SDS, Design rules, and DFMEA development and maintenance.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience designing and developing interior lighting systems.
• Demonstrated Program Management skills from kick off to post Job#1
• Clear understanding of Design and Release task/process for in house designed interior lighting systems or applicable electrical component development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Overhead/Cargo and Ambient Lighting attribute targets, package and tooling feasibility, material analysis, Design Rules, SDS requirements, DFMEA, FMA, and DVPR.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Catia V5 including surface and solids development.
• Functional knowledge of Teamcenter Engineering and EBOM structure including searching for parts, saving and freezing items.
• Experience in optical development and lighting systems
• Comprehensive understanding of SPEOS optical CAE software.
• Demonstrated capability of working with designers for in-house designed interior lighting.
• Knowledge of interior lighting cost drivers.
• Excellent communication, team building, and leadership skills

• Masters in Engineering desired
• Injection Mold and Electronics manufacturing experience preferred.
• Understanding of GPDS and related deliverables.
• Comprehensive knowledge of interior lighting validation process and pass/fail criteria including cycle and material testing.
• Working knowledge of interior trim subsystems and vehicle electrical architecture (including EDS, connectors, wiring attachment methodology, etc)

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…