Technical Specialist – Steering Mechatronics

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

Job summary

Ford is seeking an experienced Senior Steering Mechatronics Engineer to develop and validate Electric Power Steering systems, guiding cross-disciplinary teams through design reviews, safety analyses, and supplier collaboration.

The role emphasizes DFMEA, functional safety per ISO-26262, and advanced testing like HIL, with opportunities to leverage AI to enhance development. On-site collaboration is expected.

Qualifications

• BS Engineering in mechanical/electrical/computer or related field.
• Extensive experience in safety-critical automotive design (10+ years).
• Strong steering mechatronics, EE and system experience (8+ years).
• Deep understanding of steering technology and system design.
• Experience with supplier management of complex mechatronics embedded systems.
• Technical depth in system design, mechatronics, electronics, controls and software.
• Advanced problem-solving and leadership with results focus.
• Strong communication to lead projects and reviews.
• Experience applying ISO-26262 and systems engineering methods.
• Proficiency with CAN networks, ECU data logging (Canape/CANalyzer).

Responsibilities

• Develop robust system and mechatronics requirements and designs for Electric Power Steering.
• Co-lead design, development, validation from development to production release.
• Lead root cause investigations and technical support for steering mechatronics issues.
• Lead DFMEA and functional safety analyses across disciplines.
• Lead design reviews for supplier designs against Ford requirements.
• Define core deliverables for steering mechatronics and manufacturing requirements.
• Ensure proper execution of ISO-26262 deliverables.
• Advance prevention by developing new validation methods.
• Develop HIL test methods and test cases.
• Leverage AI to accelerate mechatronics workstreams.
• Support MBSE modeling and interface validation across systems.
• Guide training and mentoring within the department.

Skills

Safety-critical automotive

Steering mechatronics

System design

DFMEA

Functional Safety ISO-26262

Supplier management

Embedded systems

Controls and software

Root cause analysis

Leadership

CAN networks/Canape

Education

BS Engineering- Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering or strongly related

Tools

Canape/CANalyzer

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop robust System and Mechatronics requirements and designs for Electric Power Steering systems, including the human vehicle steering control interface, in collaboration with the other Steering Technical Experts/Leaders and SMEs.
• Co-Lead technical design, development, and validation of Electric Power Steering systems from development through production design release, focusing on the Mechatronic system design and Test Methods.
• Champion Mechatronic/EE Quality issue root cause investigations with warranty, application, and other TE/SMEs. Lead Technical support for critical issue resolution for Steering Mechatronics Issues, including Quality/Field issues launch and recalls.
• Lead System and Sub-system Failure Mode and Safety analysis (DFMEA, Functional Safety) to ensure robust requirements, fault management strategies, design analysis, and validation across all disciplines (Electrical, Hardware, Software, Controls)
• Provide expert analysis by leading Technical Design Reviews for supplier designs of Electric Power Steering System, including analyzing the design compliance and validation to Ford requirements (System/Software Functionality, Mechatronic, Safety, Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, and Software). Review embedded system design, system/software functionality, electro-mechanical hardware, and Fault management & Diagnostic strategies (Ford and Supplier). Focus on execution of BIC quality – Zero FSA with signoff responsibility before Chief signoff
• Define and manage Core deliverables for Steering Mechatronics, including Requirements, Test Methods/Validation Plans, Design Rules, SCCAF, DFMEA, and Manufacturing requirements. Collaborate with other Technical Leaders/Experts on Core deliverables.
• Champion proper execution of Functional Safety (ISO-26262) deliverables at Ford & Supply base to ensure a safe system design and validation.
• Actively execute the Prevent Recurrence process by developing new Requirements/Validation Methods to systematically prevent issues from re-occurring.
• Develop HIL Test Methods and test cases
• Leverage AI to improve and accelerate Mechatronics workstreams.
• Support MBSE requirement modeling and derivation to ensure comprehensive robustness of customer needs and regulations.
• Ensure appropriate validation of requirements, which include vehicle, system, sub-system, mechanical, electrical, EMC, including validation of interfaces with interfacing systems.
• Guide & oversee training, mentoring & provide consulting to department engineers, supervisors & other interfacing functions.
• Conduct Vehicle Level Testing, data acquisition, as needed to develop requirements or troubleshoot issues.

Requirements

• BS Engineering- Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering or strongly related.
• 10 years of safety-critical Automotive design experience or related Industry experience.
• 8 years of steering mechatronics/EE/System experience.
• Thorough understanding of steering technology and system design.
• Experience with strong supplier management of complex mechatronics embedded systems.
• Technical depth in system functional design/specification, mechatronics, electronics, controls, software, system architecture, and mechanical design.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills, passion for quality, passion for customer – inherent self-starter with strong drive for results.
• High technical aptitude.
• Demonstrated ability to forge productive relationships, achieve cooperation, and influence priorities of technical experts and other key partners.
• Ability to manage/resolve simultaneous challenging complex technical issues.
• Strong oral/written communication skills to lead group projects, issue resolution, and management reviews.
• Experience applying Systems Engineering, Failure Mode Avoidance, and ISO-26262 to develop safety critical systems.
• Experience with Steering/Vehicle Dynamics.
• Demonstrated Proficiency in engineering disciplines: DFMEA, Functional Safety, DVP&R, 8D, Process Control, PFMEA, and System Engineering Fundamentals.
• Experience with CAN Networks, ECU Calibration, CAN and ECU data logging including Canape/CANalyzer.