Product Development Engineer-Chassis Architecture

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. 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. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

In this position...

As a member of the advanced chassis engineering team, you are responsible for the up-front system design work and decision-making inputs on all-new Ford & Lincoln products, including next-gen electrified architectures. Our functional architecture team is responsible for suspension, steering, brakes, wheels/tires, and chassis systems. We're looking for an advanced chassis engineer to join the underbody systems architecture team.

The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.

The D&R Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford's PLM ecosystem.

The D&R Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.

As a member of the advanced chassis engineering team, you are responsible for the up-front system design work and decision-making inputs on all-new Ford & Lincoln products, including next-gen electrified architectures. Our functional architecture team is responsible for suspension, steering, brakes, wheels/tires, and chassis systems. We're looking for an advanced chassis engineer to join the underbody systems architecture team.

What you'll do...

• Develop, maintain, and track comprehensive program timing plans for advanced chassis architecture initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall vehicle program milestones and gateways.

• Proactively identify potential timing risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep programs on schedule.

• Lead cross-functional timing reviews, communicating status, issues, and recovery plans to relevant stakeholders and senior management.

• Drive adherence to program timing within the chassis engineering team.

• Manage and monitor the financial aspects of advanced chassis programs, including material cost, investment, and tracking against established targets.

• Collaborate with purchasing, finance, and engineering teams to identify cost reduction opportunities and ensure cost-efficient design and manufacturing solutions.

• Prepare and present regular financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to program leadership, highlighting risks and opportunities.

• Facilitate trade-off discussions to balance weight, cost, performance, and requirements within the chassis system.

• Serve as the primary chassis representative and support technical discussions in cross-functional vehicle architectural development forums, ensuring chassis requirements, constraints, and opportunities are effectively communicated and integrated.

• Develop and deliver clear, concise, and compelling presentations to various audiences, including engineering teams, program leadership, and executive management.

What you'll do...

• Develop, maintain, and track comprehensive program timing plans for advanced chassis architecture initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall vehicle program milestones and gateways.

• Proactively identify potential timing risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep programs on schedule.

• Lead cross-functional timing reviews, communicating status, issues, and recovery plans to relevant stakeholders and senior management.

• Drive adherence to program timing within the chassis engineering team.

• Manage and monitor the financial aspects of advanced chassis programs, including material cost, investment, and tracking against established targets.

• Collaborate with purchasing, finance, and engineering teams to identify cost reduction opportunities and ensure cost-efficient design and manufacturing solutions.

• Prepare and present regular financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses to program leadership, highlighting risks and opportunities.

• Facilitate trade-off discussions to balance weight, cost, performance, and requirements within the chassis system.

• Serve as the primary chassis representative and support technical discussions in cross-functional vehicle architectural development forums, ensuring chassis requirements, constraints, and opportunities are effectively communicated and integrated.

• Develop and deliver clear, concise, and compelling presentations to various audiences, including engineering teams, program leadership, and executive management.