Key Roles and Responsibilities of Position:

 

Design and develop automotive switches, encompassing low/high current hardwiring, LIN/CAN communication, PCB components (including microcontrollers), and mating parts communication requirement. Familiarity with various switch types (power window, headlamp, sunroof, paddle shifters, eCall, gang, auxiliary) is preferred.  Ensure switch designs meet ergonomic, functional, safety, and EMC requirements, adhering to Ford's architecture, regional regulations (ECE, FMVSS), and design specifications.  Create and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including DFMEA, and ensure compatibility with mating parts. Proficient in GD&T, PPAP documentation, managing part complexity/releases, understanding functionalities/differentiating MFCs for releases, SREA assessment, and DVPs. Understand DTC specifications and workshop manuals. Incorporate innovative design ideas.  Manage Mateial approvals for paint colors and associated testing.  Comprehend system-level functional requirements and ensure seamless integration within the vehicle architecture.  Manage switch design changes according to program timing and VPP, ensuring on-time delivery of all program milestones and required switch variant releases using BOM updates (WERS CR or notice fix). Drive new product development from concept to launch, including feasibility studies, design reviews, DFMEA, and part releases in Ford's engineering systems (FEDE, WERS CR/Notice, Teamcenter). Secure necessary cost and design approvals. Update owner's manuals, brochures, and manufacturing illustrations accordingly.  Define the DVP according to functional and performance test requirements and FEDE RQTs; verify and sign off on validation tests at component and vehicle system levels.  Collaborate closely with suppliers on the new development, ongoing program changes to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness output. Support plant vehicle teams and STA engineers to resolve switch design-related issues, proactively identifying and resolving functional, durability, and assembly problems using analytical tools.  Manage cost targets, explore cost reduction opportunities through benchmarking studies, and collaborate with purchasing and cost estimation teams.  Maintain accurate records, provide regular updates and reports, contribute to DFMEA, DVP&R, and meeting minutes documentation, and support ISO audit compliance. Effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams (vehicle systems engineers, commodity owners, manufacturing engineers, human factors, studio, marketing, finance).  Provide regular project updates and technical explanations in TDR and participate in relevant forums. JIRA experience is a plus. Cybersecurity RQT knowledge is also required.