Technical Specialist - Global Material Performance & Grain

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In this position... 
This position supports the open need for continued global technical support & growth expansion of Interior Systems Engineering to encompass a truly Global Core & Applications Engineering organization. The Interior Systems Team needs additional TS-level personnel to support Grain development and performance testing given the issues on multiple programs with scratch and mar and grain/gloss related appearance issues. This position will lead the cross functional process from selection of grain with color and materials and studio through robust signoff before Tool Kick off, follow through on timely graining of tools as well as root cause issues after parts are tooled. Additional needs for this position include supporting the development & implementation of Graining strategies on different materials, Key attributes and Quality, globally, to increase acumen, technical methodologies & design process as well as manufacturing-readiness process controls. This position will also provide expertise for design rule implementation, tool trials at tool shops and robust DOE methodology to optimize the part. These duties include alignment with Color and Materials and Studio, Materials and Tooling, Global Vendor Tooling, STA counterparts & Suppliers. This position develops and supports the global organization’s depth of knowledge for all Interior Systems Commodities and focused expertise for graining on all applicable materials.       

What you'll do...

• The Materials Performance and Grain Technical Specialist is a recognized technical expert who can interface with all levels of management and activities on updating standards, maintaining common practices with Color and Materials/Studio; Materials Engineering; Tooling and GVT. 
• Assist management in the identification, resolution and presentation of department technical strategies, objectives and issues.
• The objective of the position is to provide a technical resource regarding Grain development to eliminate failure modes and drive efficiencies across all applicable materials. 
• Recommend grain designs to address failure modes related but not limited to scratch and mar, gloss changes (ghosting) grain appearance and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that materials and designs meet performance requirements. 
• Drive latest advancements in Graining simulation, upfront testing and correlation to physicals. 
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Work with Color and Materials, Studio and experts in Materials and Tooling to ensure robust selection and validation of grains to support program timing.
• Provide technical support to application teams globally, troubleshoot and resolve issues related to grain related issues.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies. 
• Provide training, mentoring and consulting to department engineers, supervisors, and other Tech. Specialists.

You'll have... 
Associate of Science or similar degree.
10 years’ experience in Interior Materials Performance.
6 years specifically in Grain Development, Testing and Validation. 

Even better, you may have...
Bachelor's degree in Science or similar degree.
Experience with and understanding of Materials, Tooling and Graining 
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

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, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

 

• Immediate med