Product Development Engineer – Wiper/washer (subject Matter Expert)

Ford Ford · Auto · Dearborn, MI +1 · PD Operations and Quality

This role is for a Product Development Engineer specializing in Wiper/Washer systems at Ford. The engineer will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for exterior wiper-related matters, responsible for technical content, strategy, and processes. Key responsibilities include leading technical aspects of global product strategy, component and vehicle system design, verification, validation, launch, and ongoing support. The role involves analyzing designs, recommending and verifying new system technologies, mentoring engineers, and leading root cause analysis for issues. The position requires a strong background in automotive engineering, specifically in exterior wiper and washer systems, with expertise in design, analysis, verification, and quality methods.

What you'd actually do

  1. Globally responsible for signoffs of exterior wiper and washer HIR requirements for all application programs at key milestones.
  2. Act as technical resource internally & externally on component & vehicle systems. Provide technical support to global teams.
  3. Recommend, develop & verify applications for new & advanced exterior wiper and washer systems designs.
  4. Analyze designs during the development process & address any potential failures & error states.
  5. Lead design of new concepts to improve system performance & provide leadership & support for timely implementation.

Skills

Required

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related physical science field of study
  • 10+ years as a Body Exterior Design and Release Engineer or similar experience
  • 6+ years’ experience with job responsibilities specific to exterior automotive engineering with focus in systems like exterior wiper and washer systems, hoses, nozzles, motors and/or exterior automotive engineering.
  • Understanding on DC motors functionality and performance.
  • Demonstrated expert level knowledge in body exterior wiper and washer attributes, including material properties, design attributes for durability / NVH, corrosion mitigation, control plan management, tooling and testing methods.
  • Experience in all program phases from Pre-Program through Launch including one major (scale 4-6).
  • Working knowledge of applicable Design, Analysis, Verification, Quality, Manufacturing, and Assembly methods.
  • Demonstrated improvements in customer satisfaction, reduction in warranty, total cost reduction.
  • Working knowledge and experience with Engineering toolset – CAE / CATIA, TCE
  • Excellent written / verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated track record of strong leadership behaviors.
  • Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
  • Demonstrated capability to teach / coach / mentor and document technical knowledge.
  • Self-starter - ability to work effectively with little oversight.

Nice to have

  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related physical science field of study.
  • Patents / Invention, Defensive Disclosures / Trade Secrets and/or Technical Publications.
  • Experience with Advanced Technology development of Exterior components related to wipers and washers.
  • Experience with GPDS and GTDS processes, timing and delivery requirements.
  • Experience writing DFMEA’s, SCCAFs, Engineering Specifications, Requirements, Design Rules or equivalent Core documents.
  • Ability to build strong working relationships with all stakeholders including program teams, purchasing, manufacturing, STA & suppliers.
  • An aptitude for developing processes.
  • Strong understanding of statistical analysis and dimensional variance.
  • CATIA V5 capable.
  • Extensive experience & strong TMM working on safety critical systems & components.

What the JD emphasized

  • 10+ years as a Body Exterior Design and Release Engineer or similar experience
  • 6+ years’ experience with job responsibilities specific to exterior automotive engineering with focus in systems like exterior wiper and washer systems, hoses, nozzles, motors and/or exterior automotive engineering.
  • Demonstrated expert level knowledge in body exterior wiper and washer attributes, including material properties, design attributes for durability / NVH, corrosion mitigation, control plan management, tooling and testing methods.
  • Experience in all program phases from Pre-Program through Launch including one major (scale 4-6).
  • Extensive experience & strong TMM working on safety critical systems & components.