Technical Specialist – Steering Mechatronics

Ford Motor Company

Technical Specialist responsible for technical design leadership of steering mechatronics at Ford. Overseeing validation and integration of safety-critical electro-mechanical steering systems into vehicles.

Posted 6/30/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $132,800 - $250,800 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop robust System and Mechatronics requirements and designs for Electric Power Steering systems, including the human vehicle steering control interface, in collaboration with the other Steering Technical Experts/Leaders and SMEs.
Co-Lead technical design, development, and validation of Electric Power Steering systems from development through production design release, focusing on the Mechatronic system design and Test Methods.
Champion Mechatronic/EE Quality issue root cause investigations with warranty, application, and other TE/SMEs. Lead Technical support for critical issue resolution for Steering Mechatronics Issues, including Quality/Field issues launch and recalls.
Lead System and Sub-system Failure Mode and Safety analysis (DFMEA, Functional Safety) to ensure robust requirements, fault management strategies, design analysis, and validation across all disciplines (Electrical, Hardware, Software, Controls)
Provide expert analysis by leading Technical Design Reviews for supplier designs of Electric Power Steering System, including analyzing the design compliance and validation to Ford requirements (System/Software Functionality, Mechatronic, Safety, Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, and Software). Review embedded system design, system/software functionality, electro-mechanical hardware, and Fault management & Diagnostic strategies (Ford and Supplier). Focus on execution of BIC quality – Zero FSA with signoff responsibility before Chief signoff
Define and manage Core deliverables for Steering Mechatronics, including Requirements, Test Methods/Validation Plans, Design Rules, SCCAF, DFMEA, and Manufacturing requirements. Collaborate with other Technical Leaders/Experts on Core deliverables.
Champion proper execution of Functional Safety (ISO-26262) deliverables at Ford & Supply base to ensure a safe system design and validation.
Actively execute the Prevent Recurrence process by developing new Requirements/Validation Methods to systematically prevent issues from re-occurring.
Develop HIL Test Methods and test cases
Leverage AI to improve and accelerate Mechatronics workstreams.
Support MBSE requirement modeling and derivation to ensure comprehensive robustness of customer needs and regulations.
Ensure appropriate validation of requirements, which include vehicle, system, sub-system, mechanical, electrical, EMC, including validation of interfaces with interfacing systems.
Guide & oversee training, mentoring & provide consulting to department engineers, supervisors & other interfacing functions.
Conduct Vehicle Level Testing, data acquisition, as needed to develop requirements or troubleshoot issues.

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS Engineering- Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering or strongly related.
10 years of safety-critical Automotive design experience or related Industry experience.
8 years of steering mechatronics/EE/System experience.
Thorough understanding of steering technology and system design.
Experience with strong supplier management of complex mechatronics embedded systems.
Technical depth in system functional design/specification, mechatronics, electronics, controls, software, system architecture, and mechanical design.
Advanced problem-solving skills.
Strong leadership skills, passion for quality, passion for customer – inherent self-starter with strong drive for results.
High technical aptitude.
Demonstrated ability to forge productive relationships, achieve cooperation, and influence priorities of technical experts and other key partners.
Ability to manage/resolve simultaneous challenging complex technical issues.
Strong oral/written communication skills to lead group projects, issue resolution, and management reviews.
Experience applying Systems Engineering, Failure Mode Avoidance, and ISO-26262 to develop safety critical systems.
Experience with Steering/Vehicle Dynamics.
Demonstrated Proficiency in engineering disciplines: DFMEA, Functional Safety, DVP&R, 8D, Process Control, PFMEA, and System Engineering Fundamentals.
Experience with CAN Networks, ECU Calibration, CAN and ECU data logging including Canape/CANalyzer.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

System Functional DesignMechatronicsElectronicsControlsSoftware ArchitectureMechanical DesignDFMEADVP&R8D Problem SolvingProcess Control

Soft Skills

Advanced Problem-SolvingStrong LeadershipEffective CommunicationRelationship BuildingInfluencing Priorities