Core Seatbelt Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Ford Motor Company

At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

Job Type: Full time

Work Type: Hybrid

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 Seatbelt Subject Matter Expert (SME) will provide technical guidance to engineering and program teams on all Seatbelt matters including innovation, cost, quality and efficient/robust execution, provide Seatbelt training, coaching and mentoring to PD engineering teams and other skill teams as required. Core Seatbelt SME will report to the Core Seatbelt Technical Specialist.

What you'll do

• Core Subject Matter Expert for all Seatbelts.

• Guide and mentor Seatbelt Applications D&Rs.

• Lead or support weekly Seatbelt TDRM and support/guide all other weekly TDRMs.

• Write specifications, design rules, and/or test methods as required with high quality.

• Provide technical guidance to engineering and program teams on all Seatbelt matters including cost, quality and efficient/robust execution, provide Seatbelts training, coaching and mentoring PD engineering teams and other skill teams as required.

• Maintain a Seatbelts technology database and roadmap including benchmark. Keep up to date with latest Seatbelts and pyrotechnic technologies. Build and maintain good understanding of technology development, own a perspective of what that means for Ford globally.

• Support the global Seatbelts Modularity and Business Plan process by defining the global vehicle current and future needs for the commodity and the attributes and enforce their implementation.

• Support the Seatbelts critical concerns and field service activities and work streams for Engineering.

• Support Problem Solving – Launch, Recall, Quality / Field Issues related to Seatbelts.

• Build and maintain a lessons-learned database on best practices related to Seatbelts issue resolution.

• Support global launches related to Seatbelts leveraging local Ford engineering teams and suppliers.

• Support Engineering Excellence work streams including sign off at major program milestones as well as CDP&R for Seatbelts.

• Champion Benchmarking of key competition.

• Support design cost reduction idea generation process and implementation of cost reductions into production.

• Support delivery of Seatbelts warranty reduction and quality improvement targets including prevent reoccurrence.

• Liaise with global Seatbelts teams to ensure technology exchange and work alignment, close collaboration required with Seats and CAE peers.

• Work towards the highest commonality on global CV & PV for Seatbelts; drive all regions into maximum commonality.

• Maintain a productive work environment with the global Seats and Restraints Technology/Program teams, other PD areas, Purchase, FCSD, Manufacturing etc.

• You'll have

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or similar degree.

• 5+ years of experience in Seatbelt Engineering.

• 1 year of CAD experience.

• Even better, you may have

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or similar degree.

• Strong technical background of Seatbelts, Airbags, Gas Generators & interfacing-systems and attributes.

• DFSS Green Belt preferred (if not, must complete within 2 years of hire).

• Strong SPC, DFMEA, DRBFM, and statistical skills.

• Experience with global Tier 1 supplier sourced commodities and the successful management of such suppliers, in particular regarding quality issues.

• Experience with Safety critical systems and Critical Concerns Process required.

• Knowledge/experience of Ford, PD and Restraints principles, e.g. GPDS, FEDE, DPA.

• Experience in development of a vehicle program "from cradle to grave" desired.

• Ability to efficiently lead in a global, multi-cultural and multi-supplier environment.

• Open-minded, listen-first attitude. High energy and respectful attitude required.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.

• Must demonstrate Ford OS behaviors consistently.

• Excellent drive for results and capability to understand complex technical issues.

• Understanding of Restraints business and customer needs including experience with Body Interior safety, Quality and safety mindset, must work with the highest degree of integrity.

• You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've 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 builder…or 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 Year’s Day

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

• This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300.

• This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.

• This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.

• This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.

• Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

• Visa 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 status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

• This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

• VehicleHardwareEngineering

• Change the world with your ideas.

• Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

• Support designed to go the distance.

• From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

• Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

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