Hybrid SVE Engineer

at Ford Motor Company

• Job title: SVE Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior, Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Broadmeadows, Australia

About the role

• SVE Engineer developing innovative engineering solutions for special vehicle programs. Collaborating with internal teams and third parties to deliver tailored technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• 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.