Product Development Engineer – Hardware, Locks, and Mechanisms (HLM)

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.

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).

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• Identify validation, durability and functional tests required.
• Address issues with root cause analysis 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.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Requirements:
• 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.
• CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, Power Point MS Teams, and MS Azure SharePoint.

• Preferred:
• Experience in design and release of latching mechanisms, closure systems, or related mechanism applications.
• Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
• 8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with DFMEA's, PFMEA's, and SCCAF's.
• Knowledgeable in the Phased PPAP process.
• Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T.

Benefits:

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.