Job Description

Job Description

The Digital Cockpit Technologies department in Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering organization is responsible for researching and delivering technology and features in the areas of infotainment, navigation, connectivity, comfort and convenience, driver assistance, & intelligent assistant.

This position is primarily focused on researching, defining, and developing customer facing technology in the area of Heads-Up-Displays, Image Projection Module, & Light Field Displays. Work tasks span from the early research and development stages (partnership investigations, start-ups, university, etc.), through development of Proof-of-Concept solutions, vehicle integration and finally technology hand-over to the Product Development organization.

As a technical specialist, you will be required to lead technology investigations, POC & early development projects, develop technology road maps, create and own the Point-Of-View, become an industry insider, be involved/contribute to consortiums, mentor junior engineers, manage university-led projects, and on occasion be required to support down-stream production issues and challenges.

We are looking for a person with documented experience in developing HUDs and other optical projection technologies, preferably related to vehicle (automotive, aerospace) applications.

Responsibilities

W hat you’ll be able to do:

• Create a vision for and provide technical guidance to the engineering teams to solve challenging problems and drive innovation in this usage of projection systems.
• Collaborate with Product/Feature Owners, SMEs, and User Experience teams regarding technology definition, roadmap, schedule, scope, and project-related decisions to prototype new concepts and deliver end-to-end systems to internal customers.
• Explore novel solutions and emerging technologies, performing competitive analyses, to support development of a technology cycle plan.
• Research and develop concepts and prototypes of new heads-up displays, image projection systems, & light field displays. Producing idea presentations, technology demonstrations, use cases, proof-of-concept implementations, specifications and requirements.
• Design, specify, & qualify optical components and manufacturing processes for individual components for use in consumer imaging systems (HUDs & Projection).
• Performing competitive analyses and maintain knowledge of emerging technologies in both the automotive and consumer electronics field.
• Span all relevant disciplines (transmission, optical, mechanical, electronics, optical packaging, optical device assembly processes etc.
• Develop complete specifications for optical components and modules.
• Develop performance specifications (optical, electrical) for components, subassemblies and assemblies.
• Candidate should have a solid understanding of optical performance parameters (bandwidth, MTF, SFR, NF, color coordinate system measurement, ripple) and specification sensitivity and interdependencies.
• Work closely with forward engineering teams, assembly process engineering and suppliers to understand and capture requirements related to performance, qualification and quality.

Qualifications

The minimum requirements we seek:

• B.S. in Optics/Physics, Electrical Engineering or similar related field
• At least 7+ years of experience with optical systems (e.g. heads-up displays, image projection systems, laser optics)
• Experience in designing optical sub-systems, including base materials, filters, coatings, displays and lenses and how to design and tolerance lenses and lens elements
• Experience with process and assembly design, qualification and release to manufacturing of high volume, complex, integrated, optical subsystems
• Experience with writing optical component and subsystem test plans
• Experience with a variety of optical test equipment including and optical bench tools and testing for qualifying image quality, optical component quality
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and self-motivation/ability to work independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Our preferred requirements:

• Master’s in Optics/Physics with 3-5 years’ experience with optical systems (e.g. heads-up displays, image projection systems, LiDAR and laser optics)
• Familiarity with optical sub-systems, including base materials, filters, coatings, displays and lenses and how to design and tolerance lenses and lens elements
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• A genuine interest in technology, electronics, gadgets and programming, both on a professional and personal level

What you will receive in return:

As part of the Ford family, you will enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation, and much more. You will also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition. If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we would love to have you join us. 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. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. 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.

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Please view our benefits here.

At Ford, the health and safety of our employees is our top priority. Vaccination has been proven to play a critical role in combating COVID-19. As a result, Ford has made the decision to require U.S. salaried employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless employees require an accommodation for religious or medical reasons. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or an approved medical or religious exemption.