Applications Engineer - Exterior Systems Design & ReleaseOverview / Summary The Applications Engineer - Exterior Systems Design & Release (D&R) Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, validation, and release of exterior vehicle components, including front and rear bumpers/fascias, grilles, active grille shutters (AGS), battery trays, wheel arch liners, underbody shields, and related systems.
The engineer will lead early development activities, evaluate system feasibility, and collaborate with Studio, Program Management, Manufacturing, Suppliers, and Assembly Plants to support successful program delivery. The role will also focus on quality, cost, weight reduction, design efficiency, manufacturing, assembly, durability, and performance requirements.
Key Responsibilities - Lead the design, development, validation, and release of exterior system components for assigned vehicle programs.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, weight reduction, and design efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with corporate, local, and global regulatory requirements, Worldwide Customer Requirements (WCR), Engineering Specifications (ES), and System Design Specifications (SDS).
- Develop components that meet manufacturing, assembly, durability, and performance requirements.
- Manage program deliverables to meet cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets within the Global Product Development System (GPDS) framework.
- Apply Robustness Engineering disciplines and Failure Mode Avoidance methodologies.
- Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW) and Engineering Concepts (EC), and support sourcing activities including cost reviews and supplier selection processes.
- Participate in Technical Design Reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions.
- Release and maintain parts through BOM tools, WERS, and Change Control processes throughout the product lifecycle.
- Audit and maintain Bills of Material (BOM) for prototype and production builds.
- Identify and coordinate validation, durability, and functional testing activities using DVP and FEDE processes.
- Utilize AIMS root cause analysis tools to identify issues and implement permanent corrective actions.
- Define engineering prototype requirements and support prototype builds.
- Support assembly plant implementation, launch activities, quality investigations, and sign-off processes.
- Review Product Design Level (PDL) revisions and implement required changes.
- Support VQR, VRT, and PVT activities as required.
- Partner with Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) teams throughout supplier engagement and development processes.
- Apply Ford Performance+ principles to deliver business and engineering objectives.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related engineering field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in automotive exterior systems development or related engineering roles.
- Experience with Class-A surface development and Studio interface activities.
- Experience with CAD systems including Teamcenter Engineering (TCE), CATIA, 3DX, and parametric modeling.
- Knowledge of exterior systems design, packaging requirements, craftsmanship standards, and benchmarking.
- Understanding of automotive manufacturing processes related to exterior components.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex engineering and packaging challenges.
- Strong technical communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Effective project, meeting, and time management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with AVBOM and Release Engineering processes.
- Experience working within the automotive industry and vehicle launch environments.
- Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
Work Environment - Hybrid work environment with four days per week in the office.
- Occasional domestic travel to supplier manufacturing facilities and vehicle assembly plants may be required to support vehicle launch activities.
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