Supervisor – Technical Expert, Seat Belts

Jobtailor; Dearborn (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor Company seeks a global Technical Specialist for Seatbelts to lead engineering programs, mentor SMEs, and drive commonality across vehicle programs. You will write specifications, guide cost and quality, and support robust execution with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

You will maintain the Seatbelts technology database, track developments, and lead the Modularity and Business Plan process while advancing Ford safety standards and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in Seatbelt Engineering.
• Strong technical background in Seatbelts, Airbags, Gas Generators, interfacing systems.
• 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 of Ford principles including GPDS, FEDE, and DPA.
• Ability to lead effectively in a global, multicultural environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the global Technical Specialist for Seatbelts.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise Core Seatbelt SMEs.
• Lead weekly Seatbelt TDRM and guide other TDRMs.
• Write specifications, design rules, and test methods.
• 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 teams.
• Maintain the Seatbelts technology database, roadmap, and benchmarks.
• Track Seatbelt and pyrotechnic developments and define global implications for Ford.
• Lead the global Seatbelts Modularity and Business Plan process.
• Lead Seatbelts critical concerns, field service activities, and engineering work streams.

Skills

Seatbelt Engineering

SPC

DFMEA

DRBFM

Leadership

Mentoring

Coaching

Problem Solving

Global Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

GPDS

Technology Database

Job description

• 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

• 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

Core Competencies

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 Expertise
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
• Critical Concerns Process Experience
• DFSS Black Belt Certification

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Mechanical Engineering
• Seatbelt Design
• Airbag Systems
• Gas Generators
• Supplier Quality Management
• Statistical Skills
• Design Rules Writing
• Test Method Development
• Technology Benchmarking
• Cost-Reduction Implementation

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Interpersonal Communication
• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Problem Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

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

Industry Keywords

• Safety-Critical Systems
• Restraints Principles
• Global Tier 1 Suppliers
• Vehicle Program Development
• Body Interior Safety

Tools & Technologies

• Technology Database Management
• Global Product Development System (GPDS)
• Ford Engineering Standards
• Field Service Activities
• Lessons-Learned Database