Product Development Engineer - Suspension - Knuckles Hub & Bearing

Ford Pro is transforming the future of mobility, and they are seeking a Product Development Engineer to contribute to the development of suspension systems for their vehicles. The role involves leading the design and release of suspension components, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring quality and performance standards are met throughout the product development process.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of cost, weight, and functionally efficient suspension components and systems
• Collaborate with Ford Purchasing in the sourcing of new suspension components/systems, conducting supplier technical reviews to ensure the best source for the product from a functional and financial perspective
• Deliver all program milestone requirements, especially in-plant dates, on time and with quality ensuring documentation is stored in the appropriate location per the records management process and parts are appropriately marked per the prototype or production material process
• Manage changes to parts/systems and resolve all functional, durability, and assembly issues identified
• Apply engineering disciplines including DFMEA, PFMEA, Requirements, Design Rules, Engineering Specifications, DVP&R, Drawings, Control Plans and SCCAF
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components including attaching hardware and joint design
• Manage multiple suppliers and support Supplier Technical Assistance engineers in delivering production parts with quality. This would entail on site visits with the suppliers to review their processes
• Guide validation of suspension components/systems, reviewing test loads, set ups, reports, and results for both internal and external testing at the vehicle, system, and component levels and reporting requirements in the Ford Engineering Design Environment
• Lead Technical Design Reviews for each component/system at required milestones as well as multiple management reviews (Suspension Design Review, Suspension Significant Issues, Chief Engineering Matters Meeting, etc.)
• Engage with Chassis Architecture, Chassis Systems Engineering, Vehicle Engineering (Vehicle Dynamics and NVH), Vehicle Evaluation and Verification, Vehicle Operations, and the Plant Vehicle Team to deliver robust suspension components and systems to final production that meet vehicle level performance requirements
• Be onsite at the Ford manufacturing facility in support of pre-production builds and resolution of any issues that arise as production ramps up
• Participate in Suspension Tech Clubs and the Foundation Design Review to influence requirements and design rule modifications and additions as well as to learn about new technologies and processes
• Maintain quality of product once in production by supporting warranty reviews and working to ensure quality goals are achieved post Job 1

Skills

• BS in Engineering or a related field
• 6+ months of engineering experience including internships and coursework
• CAD experience
• 2+ years of experience in design and release
• Experience in suspension preferred but not required
• Additional experience in Chassis Systems Engineering, Vehicle Integration, Manufacturing, and/or Vehicle Engineering is a plus
• Demonstrated experience of effective supplier management, launch, and global program delivery
• Demonstrated ability for technical understanding and leadership
• Demonstrated leadership skills in teamwork, prioritization, and project management
• Hands on experience with CAD, release processes, sourcing processes, creating test requests, documenting evidence in support of requirements and design rules
• Passion for zero defects, passion for customer, high energy, drive for results and openness to learning

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.

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