Product Development Engineer - Seat Comfort Subject Matter Expert

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level