Supervisor – Technical Expert, Seat Belts

Ford Motor Company

Ford technical specialist leading global seatbelt engineering, safety, quality, and supplier execution. Guiding vehicle programs, SMEs, launches, technology roadmaps, and cost-reduction initiatives.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $115,500 - $218,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in Seatbelt Engineering, including technical guidance, innovation, and quality improvement. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage supplier relationships in a global environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Seatbelt Engineering ExpertiseStatistical Process Control (SPC)Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)Critical Concerns Process ExperienceDFSS Black Belt Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringSeatbelt DesignAirbag SystemsGas GeneratorsSupplier Quality ManagementStatistical SkillsDesign Rules WritingTest Method DevelopmentTechnology BenchmarkingCost-Reduction Implementation

Soft Skills

LeadershipInterpersonal CommunicationMentoringCoachingProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Technology Database ManagementGlobal Product Development System (GPDS)Ford Engineering StandardsField Service ActivitiesLessons-Learned Database

Certifications & Qualifications

DFSS Black Belt (Preferred)Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical EngineeringMaster's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Safety-Critical SystemsRestraints PrinciplesGlobal Tier 1 SuppliersVehicle Program DevelopmentBody Interior Safety

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the global Technical Specialist for all Seatbelts
Lead, mentor, and supervise Core Seatbelt SMEs
Lead weekly Seatbelt TDRM and support or guide other weekly TDRMs
Write specifications, design rules, and test methods as required
Provide technical guidance to engineering and program teams on Seatbelt innovation, cost, quality, and robust execution
Provide Seatbelt training, coaching, and mentoring to PD engineering and other skill teams
Maintain the Seatbelts technology database, roadmap, and benchmarks
Track Seatbelt and pyrotechnic technology developments and define their global implications for Ford
Lead the global Seatbelts Modularity and Business Plan process
Lead Seatbelts critical concerns, field service activities, and engineering work streams
Serve as the go-to person for Seatbelt launch, recall, quality, and field-issue problem solving
Build and maintain a lessons-learned database for Seatbelt issue resolution
Support global Seatbelt launches with local Ford engineering teams and suppliers
Champion Engineering Excellence work streams, milestone sign-offs, and CDP&R for Seatbelts
Champion benchmarking of key competitors
Support design cost-reduction idea generation and production implementation
Support Seatbelt warranty reduction and quality improvement targets, including recurrence prevention
Liaise with global Seatbelt teams to ensure technology exchange and work alignment
Collaborate with Seats and CAE peers and global Seats and Restraints Technology/Program teams
Drive maximum Seatbelt commonality across global CV and PV programs and regions
Maintain a productive work environment with Product Development, Purchasing, FCSD, Manufacturing, and other teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a similar degree
10+ years of experience in Seatbelt Engineering
Very strong technical background in Seatbelts, Airbags, Gas Generators, interfacing systems, and related attributes
Strong SPC, DFMEA, DRBFM, and statistical skills
Experience with global Tier 1 supplier-sourced commodities and supplier quality-issue management
Experience with safety-critical systems and the Critical Concerns Process
Knowledge or experience of Ford, Product Development, and Restraints principles, including GPDS, FEDE, and DPA
Ability to lead effectively in a global, multicultural, and multisupplier environment
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
Must demonstrate Ford OS behaviors consistently
Ability to understand complex technical issues and drive results
Understanding of Restraints business and customer needs, including Body Interior safety experience
Quality and safety mindset, with the highest degree of integrity
DFSS Black Belt preferred; if not held, must complete within 2 years of hire
Master's degree in mechanical engineering or similar degree preferred
Experience developing a vehicle program from cradle to grave desired
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

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 child care
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time