Crash Safety Side Occupant Protection Engineer

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The skills required for an experienced Side Impact Occupant and Structural Crashworthiness Engineer encompass a blend of technical expertise analytical capabilities communication skills and industry knowledge.

In this position...

• Use simulation tools and LS-Dyna to conduct finite element analysis to predict and optimize vehicle crash performance in Side impact test modes - for ICE HEV and full BEV programs.
• Actively participate in vehicle architecture discussions to ensure key dimensional requirements are met for occupant package and structural load path management.
• Analyze test data and provide insights and recommendations for further improvements in vehicle design.
• Conduct DFMEA/Robustness in analysis of occupants and structures in side impact test modes to ensure that corporate requirements are consistently met throughout the vehicle design and manufacturing processes.

What youll do...

• Perform structural & occupant analysis to ensure full-vehicle robustly meets all applicable side impact safety regulations and public domain requirements in US (FMVSS IIHS NCAP) and World-wide (EuroNCAP ECE CNCAP CIASI etc).
• Conduct component subsystem and full-vehicle crash tests as required to validate CAE models for accurate analysis / predictions.
• Conduct design and optimization of restraints/trim systems (seat/side airbag curtain airbag door trims etc) to efficiently deliver vehicle targets.
• Collaborate with Body Chassis Powertrain LV/HV Electrical and Traction Battery engineers to choose appropriate materials that balance strength weight and cost for optimal crash performance.
• Use simulation tools and LS-Dyna to conduct finite element analysis to predict and optimize vehicle crash performance in Side impact test modes - for ICE HEV and BEV programs.
• Analyze test data and provide insights and recommendations for further improvements in vehicle design.
• Conduct DFMEA/Robustness in safety analysis of structures & occupant protection to ensure that corporate requirements are consistently met throughout the vehicle design and manufacturing processes.
• Assess the impact of new/advanced materials on crashworthiness structural integrity and high voltage systems including high voltage traction batteries.
• Continuous improvement of crashworthiness methodologies and processes to enhance overall vehicle safety.
• Communicate findings recommendations and updates to stakeholders within the organization.

Youll have...

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering automotive engineering structural engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of CAE experience in automotive safety with emphasis on side impact occupant protection including structural crashworthiness and high voltage system integrity (Hybrid and BEV architectures).
• Minimum of experience in 1 program cycles in design development and validation of side impact occupant protection systems with emphasis on Body-on-Frame vehicles.

Even better you may have...

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering automotive engineering structural engineering or a related field.
• Proficient in ICE/HEV/BEV vehicle architectures and loadpath analysis required to meet side impact test modes.
• Experience with crash test coordination analysis of crash test data and involvement in vehicle safety assessments is highly valued.
• Expertise in Finite Element Analysis (LS-Dyna) and simulation tools used in crashworthiness analysis.
• Strong understanding of vehicle materials like steel aluminum and plastic and their implications for crashworthiness.
• Experience developing occupant protection systems/ restraint systems design for side impact door trims side airbags curtain airbags structure-to-occupant interaction etc..
• Thorough knowledge of safety regulations and standards related to side impact such as FMVSS 214 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) and public domain requirements such as NCAP IIHS etc.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify safety risks propose solutions and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Understanding of quality control processes (Failure Mode Avoidance DFMEA Robustness) and a proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement in safety methodologies and processes.
• Strong background in vehicle design and engineering principles with a focus on safety-related aspects.
• Effective communication skills both written and verbal to convey complex technical information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including design engineering testing and regulatory compliance teams.

You may not check every box or your experience may look a little different from what weve 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 builderor 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 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 Years Day

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

This position is a salary grade 8.

For more information on salary and benefits click here: 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 committed to a culturally diverse workforce. 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 the United States if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 1-.

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