Tech Leader, Brake Engineering
Ford Motor Company
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Livonia • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteJob Level
Senior
About the role
- Provide strategic technical leadership and direction for Global Brake System Engineering, with a focus on the concentration of Foundation Brakes, Variable Brakes, and Brake NVH, encompassing component design, system integration, and manufacturing processes.
- Lead the development and implementation of advanced Brake NVH methodologies, including DOE-based processes and CAE-driven optimization strategies, aiming to minimize physical testing and accelerate development cycles.
- Co-Develop the Brake Technology Roadmap and drive the successful launch and integration of critical brake technologies into all global vehicle platforms.
- Develop and implement innovative technical solutions, including AI tools for automating analysis and identifying quality trends, to enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
- Oversee the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge braking components and systems, ensuring robustness, performance, and cost-effectiveness across the product lifecycle.
- Lead and mentor cross-functional engineering teams, including System Modeling, Brake Development, NVH, CAE, Core Brakes, Vehicle Operations, PVT, Program, and Supply Chain, to achieve program milestones and technical objectives.
- Establish and maintain strong technical relationships with global Tier 1/2/3 suppliers, fostering collaborative development and ensuring adherence to Ford's technical standards and strategic goals.
- Actively participate in and lead internal and external technical forums, steering committees, and design reviews, contributing to the advancement of brake system knowledge and best practices within the industry.
- Guide core teams to author and update comprehensive technical documentation, including FMA documents, design guides, design rules, engineering specifications, and test methods, to standardize processes and facilitate knowledge transfer across the organization.
- Provide expert advisory and consulting services on complex brake system challenges, both internally at Ford and within the broader brake supply base.
- Lead the implementation of robust reliability objectives and methodologies across Brake Engineering.
- Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to drive the development and organizational-wide implementation of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
- Co-operatively support comprehensive Functional Safety (FuSa) strategies specifically tailored for all brake commodities.
- Oversee the brake layout process to ensure optimized systems
- Actively facilitate technical communication and integration, bridging the gap between hardware and software teams for cohesive development.
- Lead the development and implementation of a brake strategy for resiliency.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent is required; Master of Science (M.S.) in Automotive Engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited university is preferred
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive brake systems engineering, and over 20 years of total practice in the field is highly desirable.
- Demonstration of deep technical knowledge, with a record of successful executions in brake system design, development, integration, and manufacturing.
- Proven ability to develop and implement technical strategies that translate into robust business processes, driving significant cost savings, quality improvements, and design efficiency.
- Extensive experience with CAE modeling and optimization techniques (e.g., modeFrontier) for brake system performance, particularly in NVH and drag reduction.
- Strong background in leading complex engineering projects from concept through production launch, including experience with multiple vehicle programs.
- Demonstrated technical leadership and cross-functional teamwork capabilities, with experience in leading large, diverse teams.
- Active participation in relevant professional circles, and established relationships with industry partners and suppliers.
- Proven advisory and consulting capability, with experience in formal technical mentoring and training (including course material preparation).
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of authoring technical documents, design guides, and presenting complex issues to management and external stakeholders.
- Possession of issued patents, invention disclosures, and patent applications related to brake system innovations is highly advantageous.
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
brake system designbrake NVH methodologiesDOE-based processesCAE-driven optimizationCAE modelingmodeFrontierModel-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)reliability objectivestechnical documentationautomotive engineering
Soft skills
technical leadershipcross-functional teamworkmentoringcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingstrategic thinkingproject managementadvisory capabilitiestraining
Certifications
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical EngineeringMaster of Science (M.S.) in Automotive Engineering