Product Development Engineer

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

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!

This position provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Vehicle Crash Safety Attribute to deliver high quality truck, SUV, and car programs. Do you have what it takes to make smart vehicles for a smart world? Join the Ford Product Development team. Utilizing Design Thinking & User Experience methods, you’ll work to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We’re seeking forward-thinking, laser-focused professionals with a passion for bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life.

The skills required for an experienced Occupant Safety Engineer encompass a blend of technical expertise, analytical capabilities, communication skills, and industry knowledge. 

In this position...

• Use simulation tools (LS-Dyna) to conduct occupant analysis to predict and optimize occupant performance in frontal impact from concepts development, design, and validation.
• Develop overall restrains strategy including feasible restraint systems design to meet and exceed regulatory and public domain requirements in US (FMVSS, IIHS, NCAP) and World-wide (EuroNCAP, ECE, CNCAP, CIASI, etc).
• Conduct component/sled/full-vehicle crash tests as required to validate CAE models for accurate analysis/predictions.

What you'll do...

• Analyze test data and provide insights and recommendations for further improvements in vehicle design.
• Conduct DOE/Robustness studies by utilizing optimization tools, ensure that corporate requirements are consistently met throughout the vehicle design and manufacturing processes.
• Support the creation of standard work procedures for delivering quality models and simulation results using internal safety CAE guidelines.
• Collaborate with the design studio and interior engineering teams to develop optimal restraint system packages for occupant protection performance and interior styling.
• Continuous improvement of occupant assessment/analytical/testing methodologies and processes to enhance accuracy and prediction capability.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and updates to stakeholders within the organization.
   

You'll have...

• A Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field required. Background in biomechanics preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of CAE experience in occupant safety with emphasis on development and validation of restraint/interior systems in front impact.
• Minimum of 2 full program cycles in design, development, and validation of occupant restraint system performance with emphasis on Body-on-Frame vehicles.

Even better, you may have...

• Knowledge of global passive safety public domain and regulatory requirements
• Experience with crash test coordination, analysis of crash test data, and involvement in vehicle safety assessments is highly valued.
• Very proficient in Finite Element Analysis (LS-Dyna) and simulation tools used in safety restraint analysis.
• Strong understanding of materials and the implications for crashworthiness.
• Thorough knowledge of safety regulations and standards, such as FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and public domain requirements such as NCAP, IIHS, etc.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify safety risks, propose solutions, and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Understanding of quality control processes (Failure Mode Avoidance, DFMEA, Robustness) and a proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement in safety methodologies and processes.
• Strong background in vehicle design and engineering principles, with a focus on safety-related aspects.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex technical information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, testing, and regulatory compliance teams.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company,