Tech Leader, Brake Engineering

In this position...

We are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced candidate for the role of Technical Leader (LL5) to drive global innovation and technical excellence within Brake Systems, Foundation Brakes, Variable Brakes, and Brake NVH. This critical role demands a recognized industry authority with a proven track record of transforming technical strategies into robust business processes, delivering significant quality and cost improvements, and leading complex engineering initiatives from concept to production. The ideal candidate will possess deep domain expertise, a strong ability to mentor and lead cross-functional teams, and a commitment to advancing braking technologies across Ford's global product portfolio. This position requires a visionary leader capable of pushing technical boundaries and influencing both internal teams and external partners.

What you'll do...

• Provide strategic technical leadership and direction for Global Brake System Engineering, with a focus on the concentration of Foundation Brakes, Variable Brakes, and Brake NVH, encompassing component design, system integration, and manufacturing processes.
• Lead the development and implementation of advanced Brake NVH methodologies, including DOE-based processes and CAE-driven optimization strategies, aiming to minimize physical testing and accelerate development cycles.
• Co-Develop the Brake Technology Roadmap and drive the successful launch and integration of critical brake technologies into all global vehicle platforms.
• Develop and implement innovative technical solutions, including AI tools for automating analysis and identifying quality trends, to enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge braking components and systems, ensuring robustness, performance, and cost-effectiveness across the product lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional engineering teams, including System Modeling, Brake Development, NVH, CAE, Core Brakes, Vehicle Operations, PVT, Program, and Supply Chain, to achieve program milestones and technical objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong technical relationships with global Tier 1/2/3 suppliers, fostering collaborative development and ensuring adherence to Ford's technical standards and strategic goals.
• Actively participate in and lead internal and external technical forums, steering committees, and design reviews, contributing to the advancement of brake system knowledge and best practices within the industry.
• Guide core teams to author and update comprehensive technical documentation, including FMA documents, design guides, design rules, engineering specifications, and test methods, to standardize processes and facilitate knowledge transfer across the organization.
• Provide expert advisory and consulting services on complex brake system challenges, both internally at Ford and within the broader brake supply base.
• Lead the implementation of robust reliability objectives and methodologies across Brake Engineering.
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to drive the development and organizational-wide implementation of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Co-operatively support  comprehensive Functional Safety (FuSa) strategies specifically tailored for all brake commodities.
• Oversee the brake layout process to ensure optimized systems
• Actively facilitate technical communication and integration, bridging the gap between hardware and software teams for cohesive development.
• Lead the development and implementation of a brake strategy for resiliency. 

You'll have...

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent is required; Master of Science (M.S.) in Automotive Engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited university is preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive brake systems engineering, and over 20 years of total practice in the field is highly desirable.
• Demonstration of deep technical knowledge, with a record of successful executions in brake system design, development, integration, and manufacturing.
• Proven ability to develop and implement technical strategies that translate into robust business processes, driving significant cost savings, quality improvements, and design efficiency.
• Extensive experience with CAE modeling and optimization techniques (e.g., modeFrontier) for brake system performance, particularly in NVH a