In this position, you will own the end-to-end development, integration, and lifecycle management of auto transmission shifter commodities (such as mechanical and/or shift-by-wire systems). The role serves as the central hub connecting hardware design, software integration, supplier management, and cross-functional teams (including HMI, Styling Studio, and Electrical Architecture) to deliver high-quality, safe, and tactilely refined shifting interfaces from initial concept through post-launch production.
At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow’s transportation.
Ford Product Development is utilizing Design Thinking & User Experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that will delight our customers. Our employees are laser-focused on bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. From autonomy and electrification, to smart mobility technologies, our Product Development teams around the world are working together with excitement to make smart vehicles for a smart world.
You'll have...
- Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related).
- Experience: 2+ years of automotive engineering experience spanning early development through launch.
- Technical Breadth: General knowledge of vehicle systems, electronic/mechanical interfaces, and material properties/mass production processes.
- Engineering Disciplines: Practical experience with engineering tools (CATIA, DFMEA, DVP&R, P-diagram) and the ability to interpret 2D/3D CAD drawings and schematics.
- Supplier & Requirements Management: Experience interpreting hardware/software specifications and managing supplier deliverables.
- Problem Solving: Demonstrated analytical skills with structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8Ds, 5-Whys).
- Tools & Systems: Proficiency in program management and release systems (e.g., FEDE, JIRA, AIMS, WERS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Professional Skills: Exceptionally strong communication, organization, cross-functional collaboration, and program management skills.
Even better, you may have...
- Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Engineering.
- Electronic Module Experience: Electronic module design and release experience, switch and shifter experience preferred.
- Quality Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Manufacturing Quality: Deep understanding of the automotive PPAP process and manufacturing quality documentation (PFMEA, control plans, line flow charts).
- Specialized Component Knowledge: Experience with interior illumination, injection-molded components, and craftsmanship of interior automotive components/user interfaces.
- Testing & Systems Expertise: Hands-on component testing experience (bench, dyno, or vehicle) and familiarity with systems like TeamCenter, CATIA, and Global Integrator.
- Electrical & Software Expertise: Knowledge of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), automotive software implementation, and CAN messaging/data management.
- Global Exposure: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with global, cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical issues.
- Modern Tooling: Working knowledge of commercially available AI tools and resources to drive engineering productivity.
Design, Release & Lifecycle Management
Commodity Ownership: Own the end-to-end design, packaging, integration, and release of electronic and/or mechanical shift system commodities.
Requirements & Specifications: Define appearance and functional requirements; manage design rules, system-level specifications, and dimensional stack-ups.
Lifecycle Support: Manage commodities pre- and post-launch to support ongoing quality, manufacturing feasibility, and Total Value Management (TVM) cost-efficiency initiatives.
Safety & Compliance: Partner with design teams to optimize component performance, reliability, and durability to meet key governmental safety requirements.
Systems & Software Integration
Systems Engineering: Interface with vehicle-level electrical systems engineers to define system requirements, review schematics, and ensure compatibility between interfacing modules.
Data & Software Management: Manage CAD data management interfaces, CAN messaging databases, and software interfaces between the vehicle and the device.
Craftsmanship & UX: Lead sound quality delivery and tactile craftsmanship for the user interface.
Supplier & Quality Management
Supplier Alignment: Manage the supply base for automatic transmission user interfaces, interfacing with internal Supplier Quality Engineers to lead engagement and alignment meetings.
Testing & Validation: Manage supplier- and vehicle-level testing for related software and hardware; interpret and manage DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, SCCAFs, and Control Plans.
Program Management & Collaboration
Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate globally with Design Studio, Human-Machine Interface (HMI)/Ergonomics, Manufacturing (VO), Feature Owners, and Electrical Architecture teams to deliver commodities on time, on target, and with best-in-class quality.
Issue Resolution: Drive rapid issue resolution using tools like JIRA and AIMS, maintaining clear open issues lists to prioritize workflow.
Milestone Delivery: Support program milestones and physical builds with necessary hardware, software, change notices (WERS), and alerts.
