We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Design Engineer to lead the design and development of the 1st or 2nd row seat for an upcoming forward model program. This role sits within the Seat Complete Engineering team and will own the integration of the seat structure, foam, trim, plastics, and any other hardware design from concept through production release, ensuring the seat meets all safety, durability, comfort, and cost targets while integrating seamlessly with vehicle packaging and manufacturing requirements.
This is a high-visibility opportunity to shape the design of a customer-facing component from early concept through Job 1, working closely with cross-functional teams including Body Structures, Interior Trim, Manufacturing, Safety/Restraints, and Supplier Quality.
Responsibilities- Ensure CAD development from design to release of the seat components such as structure, foam, trim, and mechanisms for a forward (future) vehicle program
- Develop seat designs that satisfy FMVSS/regulatory requirements, occupant safety targets (crash performance, whiplash, child seat anchorage/LATCH), and internal corporate standards
- Balance competing design constraints: comfort, weight, cost, manufacturability, and packaging within tight vehicle architecture space claims
- Collaborate with suppliers to develop, validate, and release seat components; manage supplier design reviews and DFMEA/PFMEA activities
- Conduct and support Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) testing; troubleshoot and resolve test failures through root-cause analysis and design iteration
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs are optimized for assembly and plant installation
- Participate in tolerance stack-up analysis, GD&T application, and CAD/CAE collaboration with simulation teams (structural, comfort, durability)
- Manage timing, budget, and mass targets for the 2nd row seat commodity throughout the program timeline
- Support prototype builds, seat fit/finish evaluations, and vehicle-level integration events
- Present design status, risks, and recommendations to program leadership and cross-functional teams at technical reviews
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
- 2+ years of experience in automotive seat design, interior component design, or related mechanical design role
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or equivalent) and GD&T principles
- Working knowledge of seat safety standards (FMVSS 207, 210, 225, etc.) and structural/durability requirements
- Experience managing supplier relationships and technical design reviews
- Strong understanding of DFMEA, DVP&R, and problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa)
- Excellent communication skills with ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced program environment
- Teamcenter, Tc VisMockup
- Excellent Spanish/English communication skills.
- Excellent graphical communication skills (sketching).
- Able to explain complex engineering concepts to other areas: Studio, Program, etc.
- Structured problem solving and thinking.
- Proactive, Disciplined.
- Strong network and relationship builder.
- Go getter.
- Self-accountable for delivering results.
- Able to negotiate with other areas.
- Methodical but able to quickly analyze and take decisions.
- Out of the box, innovative, and resilient in the face of adversity.
- Ability and willingness to travel, as occasional travel will be required (Dearborn, Supplier sites, Ford assembly plant).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience in automotive seat design, interior component design, or a related mechanical design role
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as Siemens NX, CATIA, or equivalent
- Knowledge of GD&T principles
- Working knowledge of FMVSS 207, FMVSS 210, FMVSS 225, and related seat safety standards
- Experience with structural and durability requirements
- Experience managing supplier relationships and technical design reviews
- Strong understanding of DFMEA, DVP&R, and problem-solving methods including 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa
- Teamcenter and Tc VisMockup experience
- Excellent Spanish and English communication skills
- Strong graphical communication and sketching skills
- Ability to explain complex engineering concepts to non-engineering areas
- Ability to travel occasionally to Dearborn, supplier sites, and Ford assembly plants
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.
Ford Motor Company Insights
What We Do
Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day.
