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Automotive, Manufacturing, Technology, Financial Services

Lighting Engineer

DearbornHybridFull Time$65,100–$166,200 /yrPosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

  • Optics/CAE degree
  • Optics/internship
  • automotive
  • lighting applications

Nice to have

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Master’s Degree
  • engineering design
  • plastic materials

Role summary

Ford is seeking an Optics Engineer to conduct optical feasibility studies for new vehicle programs, from Pre-PS to Job-1. The role involves interfacing with Studio, Suppliers, D&R, and other core engineers to deliver cost-effective solutions. Responsibilities include optical design and analysis for exterior lighting, generating technical solutions, managing optical tools like Ansys SPEOS and Lucidshape, leading design reviews, and resolving optical issues. The engineer will also position geometry, develop preliminary optics proposals, perform complex engineering analysis, and collaborate cross-functionally to implement cost savings and product improvements. This role requires CAD awareness and the ability to optimize supplier designs for cost and appearance, with production release verification and signoff of exterior lighting systems. Travel is required.

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.

In this position... 
Optics engineer to carry out optical feasibility studies for ongoing programs from Pre-PS to Job-1. Interface with Studio, Suppliers, D&R and other core engineers to deliver cost-effective solutions. Must be able to work with optical team and be reasonably comfortable with Optical tools such as SPEOS & Lucidshape tools. CAD awareness is a must and be able to design lens, geometry and understand how to optimize supplier designs for cost and appearance.

  • Optical design and analysis for Exterior Lighting
  • Generate and execute technical solutions for Exterior Lighting components to support new vehicle programs 
  • Manage and review system-level Optical tools such as Ansys SPEOS, Lucidshape, Luciddrive, LMK tools
  • Lead live digital design reviews and resolve optical issues and provide new direction
  • Position geometry and develop high-level preliminary Optics proposals or study parts
  • Perform complex engineering evaluation analysis 
  • Work cross-functionally to implement cost savings, product improvements, and to support prototype and production build activities 
  • Balance attributes such as cost, weight, complexity, and timing 
  • Production release verification and signoff of Exterior Lighting systems, subsystems, components, and features 
  • Core requirement and technology development 
  • Communicate information to and from internal and external organizations 
  • Lead team meetings (suppliers, designers, engineers, manufacturing, supplier quality, etc.) 
  • Travel as required (including international) 

Required Skills 

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline 
  • Enrolled/completed Optics/CAE degree
  • Optics/internship: related automotive and/or lighting applications experience

Preferred Skills 

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, or Software Engineering 
  • Master’s Degree or Enrolled in other Advanced Degree
  • Familiarity with the engineering design of exterior lighting components
  • Proficiency with Optics software/tools (Ansys SPEOS, Lucidshape, Luciddrive, LMK, Goniometer) to lead digital design reviews, perform optics studies, position geometry, and develop high-level preliminary Optical proposals
  • Familiarity with Design For Six Sigma process 
  • Knowledge of plastic materials, plastic injection molding, optics, basic electrical/electronic circuitry, software, lamp manufacturing processes, tooling, fixture design and product validation
  • Knowledge of global lighting regulations 

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 through salary grade 8. Salaries can range from $65,100-$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.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

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. #LI-Hybrid

 #VehicleHardwareEngineering #LI-KH2 

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