Product Development Engineer - Seat Comfort Subject Matter Expert

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

In this position... 
Core Seat Comfort Engineer is a specialized engineering professional who will be a pivotal force in driving the design and delivery of world-class seat comfort experiences across our entire vehicle lineup. This critical role shapes the future of seat comfort at Ford, from foundational research to production implementation, translating customer insights into impactful product actions and core engineering strategies.

Ergonomics & Biomechanics: 

Analyzing how the human body interacts with the seat system to minimize muscle tension and improve posture during various use cases.

Static & Dynamic Comfort:

Static: Objective seat testing methods and data analysis to drive recommended design actions. Additionally, leveraging methods such as pressure distribution and clinic results to drive product improvements with respect to error state avoidance.

Dynamic: Managing vibration transmission and resonance to ensure a smooth ride while the vehicle is in motion.

Seat Features & Functionality:

Provide expertise to the seat engineering team to ensure the seat system delivers performance that meets or exceeds customer expectations. These include but are not limited to: Thermal Management, Pneumatic Systems, Lumbar support systems, Seat Adjustments (power & manual), Head Restraints, Armrests, Structures, Foam and Trim. 

The Product Development Seat Comfort SME is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.

The Product Development Seat Comfort SME is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem.

The Product Development Seat Comfort SME will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.

What you'll do:

• Lead the establishment of new and innovative improvements for seat comfort.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for existing methods, requirements and products.
• Provide essential support for program delivery, ensuring comfort targets are met.
• Bridge the gap between human anatomy (ergonomics) and mechanical design.
• Collaborate on projects / knowledge sharing with internal and external teams around common interests.
• Lead root cause analysis of current production and in-flight program issues.
• Establish benchmarking plan to support program development as well as core growth and perceived quality. 

You'll have...
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Biomechanic, Ergonomic, Mechanical, Materials, or related field).
5+ years of experience in automotive seat engineering or a closely related field, with a focus on comfort, ergonomics, or human factors. 
1 year of CAD experience.

Even better, you may have...
Master's degree in Engineering (Biomechanic, Ergonomic, Mechanical, Materials, or related field). 
Strong understanding of seat components and systems (e.g., foams, trim, structures, mechanisms, MCS, heat/vent). 
Experience with objective and subjective comfort assessment methodologies and tools. 
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA) and CAE tools (e.g., FEA) related to seat design and analysis. 
Proven track record of driving innovation and implementing new technologies in a production environment. 
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. 
Experience with global product development and working with international teams. 
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven mindset.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service 
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day 

• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 

This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $63,480-106,680.
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $72,480-121,440.
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $84,480-141,360.
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $96,720-162,120.   

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. 

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