We are seeking an experienced Automotive Engineer – NPD CAD Designer & Analytics Specialist to join our Global Engineering team in Chennai, reporting to the CAD Manager LL6. This role is primarily focused on leading the delivery of high-quality CAD engineering for Interior Trims (IP, CNSL, Registers, Door Trims, Hard Trims & Soft Trims), supporting critical GPDS milestones (V0, V1, V2, FDJ) and ensuring FECDS compliance through Ford Process. You will own the entire Interiors NPD lifecycle — from A-surface evaluation and surface-to-CAD conversion, through DPA evaluation using Vis-Mockup, to releasing items in Teamcenter as part of the P-release process — while also preparing 2D drawings that meet Ford's global standards and timelines.
In addition to core CAD/NPD responsibilities, this role offers an opportunity to apply data analytics and foundational machine learning skills to engineering data, helping the team identify trends, forecast workloads, and improve decision-making using tools such as Python and SQL/BigQuery. This is not a primary data science role; rather, it is intended for a CAD/NPD engineer who brings complementary analytical capability to enhance engineering efficiency and insight generation. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented professional with strong Ford-specific tool expertise, a solid grasp of vehicle architecture and assembly sequences, and the curiosity to leverage data-driven approaches where they add value — all while embodying One Ford Behavior in a global, collaborative environment.
ResponsibilitiesCAD / NPD Engineering (Primary Focus)
- Deliver 3D CAD for Interior Trims (IP, CNSL, Registers, Door Trims, Hard Trims & Soft Trims) using Catia, 3DX, Teamcenter, and Vis-Mockup, along with 2D drawings and P-release process deliverables for global and region-specific programs.
- Manage CDHR/BOM processes using CDHR and FEDEBOM to ensure part claiming ownership, timely CAD population, and CDHR health tracking across all program gateways; resolve CDHR NOK issues in collaboration with Engineering & Suppliers.
- Perform DPA evaluations, including digital assembly checks, interface/alignment validation, distance measurements, and dynamic clearance studies using Vis-Mockup.
- Prepare and deliver precise 2D drawings in accordance with FECDS standards and Ford design rules.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with D&R Engineers to ensure all CAD deliverables meet Ford standards at every gateway/milestone.
- Ensure every gateway/milestone is aligned with Ford standards and design rule requirements.
- Drive innovation by participating in efficiency initiatives such as new Catia macros or CAD process automation.
Data Analytics & ML Support (Secondary Focus)
- Apply basic exploratory data analysis (EDA) and statistical techniques to engineering, BOM, and CDHR datasets to identify trends and anomalies relevant to NPD workload and complexity.
- Support the development of simple forecasting or predictive models (e.g., regression-based) to help estimate engineering workload and highlight complexity drivers.
- Write SQL queries (including in BigQuery) to extract and analyze engineering data as needed to support reporting and insight generation.
- Assist in building or maintaining lightweight dashboards to visualize engineering trends for team and stakeholder reviews.
- Collaborate with Analytics/Data Engineering teams when deeper AI/ML expertise is required, providing domain context and data interpretation support.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Automobile) or related discipline.
Experience
- 8+ years of experience in Automotive Product Development.
- At least 4–6 years of specialized experience in new part development (CAD/NPD).
- Proven experience supporting CAD milestones (V0/V1/V2 & FDJ) within a Ford environment is highly preferred.
- Basic to intermediate hands-on experience (1+ years) applying data analysis or introductory machine learning techniques is a plus, but not a core requirement.
Functional/Technical Skills — CAD/NPD (Core)
- Advanced software proficiency in Catia V5, 3DX, Teamcenter, and Vis-Mockup.
- Expert knowledge of Teamcenter (AL-PL & P-Release process) and Ford BOM management systems (FEDE, CDHR).
- In-depth understanding of DPA process, vehicle architecture, systems/sub-systems, and assembly sequence logic.
- Knowledge of FMEAs and engineering quality standards.
Functional/Technical Skills — Data & Analytics (Supporting, Good to Have)
- Working knowledge of Python for data analysis (e.g., Pandas, NumPy) and basic familiarity with common ML libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn) is a plus.
- Basic SQL skills, ideally including exposure to Google BigQuery.
- General awareness of Google Cloud Platform (GCP) tools such as Vertex AI is a plus, but not required.
Preferred Skill Sets
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage stakeholders, suppliers, and global customers.
- Highly motivated self-starter who can manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight GPDS timelines.
- Ability to work across time zones and diverse cultures, always demonstrating "One Ford" behaviors.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of experience in automotive product development
- 4-6 years of specialized experience in new part development and CAD/NPD
- Advanced proficiency in Catia V5, 3DX, Teamcenter, and Vis-Mockup
- Expert knowledge of Teamcenter AL-PL and P-Release processes
- Expert knowledge of Ford BOM management systems, including FEDE and CDHR
- In-depth understanding of DPA processes, vehicle architecture, systems and subsystems, and assembly sequence logic
- Knowledge of FMEAs and engineering quality standards
- Ability to deliver CAD milestones including V0, V1, V2, and FDJ within a Ford environment
- At least 1 year of experience applying data analysis or introductory machine learning techniques
- Working knowledge of Python, including Pandas and NumPy, for data analysis
- Basic familiarity with machine learning libraries such as Scikit-learn
- Basic SQL skills, ideally including Google BigQuery
- Awareness of Google Cloud Platform tools such as Vertex AI
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for managing stakeholders, suppliers, and global customers
- Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight GPDS timelines and work across time zones and diverse cultures
Ford Motor Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ford Motor Company and has not been reviewed or approved by Ford Motor Company.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage start on day one with options that include zero-premium plans, free mental health support, and wellness resources. For represented hourly employees, health plans are described as low-cost with strong coverage value.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match and additional company contributions is available from day one, alongside life and disability coverage. Pension eligibility in certain situations and financial-planning support reinforce long‑term security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave, fertility, surrogacy, and adoption benefits, plus a ramp‑up program for returning parents, reflect a family‑focused package. Flexible Family Care days and generous time‑off options help address short‑term caregiving and personal needs.
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