Innovation Engineer (Cockpit & Trim)

We made history and now we work to transform the future for our customers our communities and our families. Youll 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.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

Innovation Leadership

• Council Management: Lead the Cockpit Trim and Displays Global Innovation Council.
• Workshop Facilitation: Run Design Thinking sessions and clinics to solve interior challenges with a customer-centric focus.
• Training Development: Propose and update the Innovation Learning Pathway for the global engineering community.

Technology Discovery

• Trend Scouting: Research new technologies in automotive and outside industries (electronics aerospace etc.).
• Supplier Coordination: Organize technology shows with current and new suppliers at all global sites.
• Competitive Analysis: Monitor competitor interiors to identify gaps and opportunities for leadership.

Production Integration

• Implementation: Work with Marketing and Program teams to ensure ideas reach production vehicles.
• Advanced Engineering: Feed innovation concepts into the workstream at Pre-PS stages.
• Simple Design: Apply a Keep It Simple approach to maximize output and ensure design solutions are efficient and easy to manufacture.

Intellectual Property

• Patent Filing: Identify unique ideas and write Innovation Disclosures for review with Attorneys.
• Efficiency Tracking: Monitor part reduction cost savings and manufacturing improvements for every implemented idea.
• Global Standardization: Turn successful local improvements into global best practices.

Key Characteristics

• Creative Mindset: You look at old problems in new ways and find inspiration outside of the automotive world.
• Practical Innovation: You believe in innovation that serves a purpose and can actually be built not just ideas for the sake of ideas.
• Simple Approach: You follow a Keep It Simple philosophy ensuring solutions make sense and avoid unnecessary complexity.
• Results Driven: You have a bias for action and a proven track record of finishing projects on time.
• Strong Communicator: You can speak clearly with engineers designers and marketing teams to keep everyone aligned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors Degree in Engineering. A Masters Degree or Certification in Innovation Management is preferred.
• Experience: Solid background in developing automotive interior parts specifically in Cockpits Trim or Displays.
• Process Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Product Development (PD) process from initial concept to the assembly line.
• Patent History: A good record of patent disclosures that have been successfully implemented in vehicles is highly desired.
• Efficiency Focus: Proven ability to deliver efficient design solutions that reduce complexity and cost through a Keep It Simple methodology.
• Tool Proficiency: Experience leading Design Thinking sessions and using innovation frameworks to drive team output.

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

This position is a salary grade 5 through 8. Salaries can range between $65100 - $166200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidates skills and experience and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope responsibility and competitive market value.

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. 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-.
This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
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