Prototype Trim Developer

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams. With our incredible plans for the future, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow.

Do you have what it takes to make smart vehicles for a smart world? Join the Ford Product Development team. Utilizing Design Thinking & User Experience methods, you’ll work to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We’re seeking forward-thinking, laser-focused professionals with a passion for bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life.

As a Prototype Trim Developer, you will have the opportunity to translate concepts into reality in the form of functional high-fidelity prototypes. Leveraging your expertise in automotive design and/or engineering, you will have the opportunity to see the future of Ford firsthand and play a pivotal role in the early-stage development of the next generation of Ford & Lincoln vehicle content and experiences.

This role requires a deep understanding of automotive systems and subsystems, ability to think creatively and develop trim solutions that are feasible relative to prototype manufacturing processes.

This role is in office 5 days/week in Dearborn, MI

• Sewing on production sewing machines including walking foot, lock stitch, overcasting double needle and pedestal.
• Develop patterns for soft and hard trim, including seats, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel and flooring. Ability to account for complex curves, wide range of materials and achieve final fit within 1-2 revisions.
• Digitize patterns and refining them in 2D software such as Accumark and Tukatech
  Wrapping of hard parts, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel and flooring. Ability to deliver design intent regarding seam and feature placement.
• Develop, plan and execute foam and structure modifications to support late changes.
  Operate digital cutter such as Zund as well as PAX perforation and embroidery machines.
• Provide input and support development of prototype build timing plans – delivering properties on time and with quality to support milestones
• Work collaboratively with design, engineering and fabrication to design, engineer and build prototypes, aligned to design intent and program maturity
• Identify areas of opportunity and process efficiencies and action as appropriate
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototype build processes
• General ability to abide by shop rules and safety requirements.

• Bachelors or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 4+ year of experience in automotive trim development with a focus on rapid iterations
• 4+ years of experience sewing on industrial machinery
• 4+ years of experience working on 2D pattern development software
• 4+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems
• 3+ years of experience with digital cutting software and hardware
• 3+ years of experience working collaboratively with design and engineering
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator to prep files for perforation and embroidery machines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Respectfully accepts constructive criticism

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…