• Senior Seating Systems Structure Engineer

    Ford Motor CompanyPalo Alto, CA 94301

    Job #2662499776

  • 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 of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow's transportation.?

    Ford Model E is responsible for developing the key technologies and capabilities - such as EV platforms, batteries, e-motors, inverters, charging and recycling - to create ground-up, breakthrough electric vehicles. By joining the best software, engineering, design and UX talent, you will be a part of creating new technologies and concepts that can be applied across the Ford enterprise. Being on the Ford Model E team means building the future as Ford's center of innovation and growth through electric and connected vehicles and services.?

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    Current Seating commodities include structures, mechanisms, actuators, cushions, wire harnesses, controllers, sensors, software, trims and so on. However, future seating solutions are not limited to these. Progression is targeted. A seat can be defined as a product which enables comfortable support for vehicular occupants. In some sense, a seat can be viewed as a moving robotic structural art piece.?

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    Team members typically play dual roles as experts and polymaths. Each team member typically uses their particular expertise as a superpower to complement the team. You shall be part of the Seating Engineering Team which resides within Ford Model E -Vehicle Engineering Group.?

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    What You'll Do?

    As a Seating System Structure Engineer, your role will focus on the design, development, and optimization of the structural components and systems of automotive seating. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the creation of safe, durable, and efficient seating structures that meet industry standards and customer requirements.?

    Key Responsibilities :?

    Structural Design and Development:?

    • Design and develop the structural components and systems of automotive seating, including seat frames, backrest structures, headrests, and mounting brackets.?

    • Utilize CAD software to create 3D models and generate detailed engineering drawings of seating structures.?

    • Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.?

    • Collaborate with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and material experts to optimize the structural design for performance, weight reduction, and cost-effectiveness.?

    Material Selection and Analysis:?

    • Select appropriate materials for seating structures based on performance requirements, weight considerations, and manufacturing constraints.?

    • Conduct material testing and analysis to ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.?

    • Collaborate with suppliers and material experts to evaluate and validate material properties and suitability for the seating structures.?

    • Perform structural analysis using simulation software and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate and optimize the structural integrity and durability of seating components.?

    Validation and Testing:?

    • Develop test plans and perform validation testing to evaluate the performance, durability, and safety of seating structures.?

    • Analyze test data, identify issues or areas for improvement, and propose design modifications.?

    • Collaborate with testing laboratories and internal teams to conduct physical and virtual tests, such as static and dynamic load testing, vibration testing, and crash simulations.?

    • Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, including FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) regulations.?

    Documentation and Reporting:?

    • Create detailed engineering documentation 3d modelling and 2D drawings, including specifications, design guidelines, technical reports, and test procedures.?

    • Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.?

    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of design changes, test results, and project progress.?

    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop manufacturing and assembly guidelines for seating structures.?

    Collaboration and Project Management:?

    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including industrial designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and suppliers, to ensure seamless integration of structural components with other subsystems.?

    • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure timely delivery of projects.?

    • Communicate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to address technical queries and ensure project success.?

    The minimum requirements we seek:?

    • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field?

    • 3+ years of experience designing, developing, and releasing one or more Seat structure components.?

    • 2+ years of experience using 3D CAD software collaboratively (Catia V5/V6, 3DX, etc.)?

    • 1+ year of experience in the production release process?

    • 1+ year of experience in a factory setting launching a new product?

    Preferred Requirements:?

    • Master's Degree in Engineering?

    • Excellent understanding of GD&T standards?

    • High level of expertise and proficiency with Catia, Enovia, or similar tools including drawing and modelling practices and methodologies?

    • Hands-on experience building and launching automotive products?

    • Experience with Microsoft Office applications and other information management tools?

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills?

    • A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Certificate of Accomplishment from a recognized Design educational institution, or equivalent skills and expertise?

    • Experience using Confluence, Jira, Asana, or other project management tools?

    • An eagerness to work cross-functionally in a dynamic environment where you are part of a high performing team?

    • A system approach to design and development with the desire and curiosity to strive for exceptional delivery execution and continuous improvement

    What you'll receive in return: ?

    As part of the Ford family, you'll enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation and much more. You'll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.?

    If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we'd love to have you join us.?

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    Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.?

    We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.?

    Requisition ID : 15606