Lead and manage all engineering practices for vehicle modifications and conversions, ensuring technical robustness.
Ensure all converted vehicles meet rigorous internal engineering standards, Ford's quality requirements, and global regulatory compliance guidelines (including ECE and ADR).
Provide technical leadership for vehicle conversion projects, from initial design analysis and feasibility studies to engineering validation and final product sign-off.
Strategically manage third-party engineering partners, ensuring alignment with Ford's specifications, quality standards, and project timelines.
Apply knowledge of Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS) to ensure all key deliverables are met for conversion projects, maintaining process integrity and documentation.
Drive the successful technical launch of vehicle conversion programs, collaborating with the SVE team to validate all engineering aspects for production.
Serve as the primary technical resource for identifying, analysing, and resolving complex engineering issues during the conversion process.
Maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, reports, and records for all conversion projects to ensure traceability and compliance.
Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains within the vehicle conversion engineering workflow.
Collaborate effectively with design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of conversion projects.
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, with a major in Mechanical or Mechatronics preferred, due to the need to assess vehicle structure interactions with modifications.
Registered Engineer status or willing to register within 12 months.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in automotive engineering, with a significant focus on vehicle modifications, special vehicle operations, or conversions.
Demonstrated experience in Design and Release (D&R) roles, including the ability to understand requirements for engineering parts and systems on vehicles.
Solid project engineering background with a proven track record of successful delivery, particularly during program launch phases.
Proficiency with engineering design tools and software (e.g., CAE, CAD, FEA, FEDE).
In-depth knowledge of vehicle systems, components, and integration principles.
Expertise in creating and applying Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), boundary diagrams, and Design Verification Plans (DVPs).
Strong understanding of global automotive regulatory frameworks, specifically ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) regulations and ADR (Australian Design Rules).
Demonstrated leadership skills, coupled with a positive, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach to teamwork.
Ability to travel as required.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
Understanding of homologation and aftermarket requirements (e.g., ECE and ADR guidelines).
Understanding of the vehicle conversion ecosystem.
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