Materials Technical Specialist

Job Description

This position will lead the development & implementation of robust materials pick list for cockpit and trim to deliver cost, quality, performance and sustainability. Additional needs for this position include supporting the development & implementation of Plastics expertise & training strategies globally, working together with other TS's to increase acumen, technical methodologies & design process as well as manufacturing-readiness process controls. This position will also provide expertise for design rule implementation, CCRG/Field action evaluations, fixes & launch-readiness. These duties include alignment with Materials Engineering, R&A, Technical Leaders for Sustainability, Raw Materials Purchasing and Suppliers. This position develops and supports the global organization's depth of knowledge on the Cockpit and Trim Commodity and focused expertise for specifically Interior Materials.

• The Materials Technical Specialist is a recognized technical expert who can interface with all levels of management and outside activities to drive material cost, quality and weight efficiencies and long term sustainability across resins and composites used in Interiors.
• Assist management in the identification, resolution and presentation of department technical strategies, objectives and issues.
• The objective of the position is to provide a technical resource to both internal designed components and our suppliers regarding component, vehicle system, and technical issues related to resins and composite materials.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to understand drivers of scratch, mar and change in gloss issues on injection molded parts and recommend/implement solutions to eliminate failure modes.
• Work with suppliers to assess new materials and technologies and provide recommendations for migration plan consistent with the objectives of cost, weight, quality and sustainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that materials and designs meet performance requirements including mold flow.
• Collaborate with other Technical Leaders and S&SE to drive actions to increase recycled plastic content and Greenhouse Gas Reductions in our vehicles.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including engineering drawings and test protocols.
• Work with Purchasing and Suppliers to source and qualify new materials and develop strategy for supplier risk mitigation.
• Conduct testing and validation of new materials and parts, including durability and environmental testing.
• Provide technical support to application teams globally, troubleshoot and resolve issues related to Resins and Composites. Will be expected to travel to suppliers and assembly plants to help resolve launch issues.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies related to Resins and Composite Materials.
• Provide training, mentoring and consulting to department engineers, supervisors, and other Tech. Specialists.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Materials Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the design, development and testing of automotive interiors.
• At least 6 years of experience specifically in Plastic Materials - Resins and Composites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with and understanding of Resins and Composites.
• Strong understanding of design principles and materials used in automotive interiors.
• Experience with CAD software.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

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, and prescription drug coverage

Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care 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.

For a detailed look at our benefits, click here: Please see our Company Profile.

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