Beatriz Rocha Hardmann
Salvador
Summary
Senior Product Development Engineer with 15+ years of experience leading complex automotive systems from concept to launch on global platforms (F-150, New EcoSport, Ka). Expert in Exterior & Closure Systems integration, ensuring alignment between design (Class A), manufacturing feasibility, and functional performance. Proven track record of managing international suppliers, delivering cost-reduction strategies ($800k+), and executing validation plans. Dual citizen (Brazilian/UK) with extensive cross-regional experience (USA, Germany, China, Brazil).
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Product Engineer | Exterior & Power Closure Systems
Ford Motor Company
03.2023 - Current
- Lead Design Engineer: Responsible for Power Sliding Rear Window System on F-150 vehicle programs (ICE and BEV architectures).
- Feasibility & Integration: Collaborate with Studio Design to ensure styling themes are technically feasible. Manage packaging trade-offs to meet Gap & Flush, weight, water management, and NVH targets.
- Design & Release: Manage 3D models, 2D drawings, BOMs, and Engineering Change Requests through Teamcenter and NX/CATIA. Ensure delivery of systems meeting strict Class A surface requirements and manufacturing constraints.
- Supplier Management: Lead technical reviews with Full-Service Suppliers and Build-to-Print manufacturers, ensuring compliance with Ford Engineering Specifications (ES).
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate with Manufacturing, Vehicle Dynamics, and Purchasing to drive resolution on packaging conflicts and tooling kick-off decisions.
Cost Reduction Engineer (TVM)
Ford Motor Company
12.2020 - 02.2023
- Value Engineering: Spearheaded technical cost reduction initiatives delivering over $800k in savings by optimizing material selection and manufacturing processes without compromising quality or functional attributes.
- Change Management: Managed the end-to-end change control process for design modifications. Created validation plans and oversaw testing to prove out new cost-saving designs prior to implementation.
- Stakeholder Communication: Presented technical business cases and status updates to upper management in approval forums to secure buy-in for engineering changes.
Product Engineer | Sealing, Glazing & Mechanisms
Ford Motor Company
01.2014 - 11.2020
- Global Launch Lead: Lead Engineer for Exterior Sealing & Glazing systems (Moveable Glass Seals) on Global Programs (EcoSport, Ka).
- International Support: Deployed on-site to plants in Brazil, Germany, and China to support launch phases, prototype builds and cost strategy initiatives.
- Launch Execution: Responsible for all Closure Mechanism parts during the launch of the Ka in Brazil, ensuring on-time part delivery and quality target achievement.
Junior Product Engineer
Ford Motor Company
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Lead Engineer responsible for meeting 100% of functional, craftsmanship, weight and cost targets for the Global Ka Moveable Glass Seals. Utilized benchmarking tools (BoB) and Design Efficiency Analysis (DEA) to set cost/weight targets.
- Product Analyst & Intern: Supported Body Structures and Mechanisms testing in the Vehicle Testing Lab and coordinated prototype builds for quality improvement actions.
Education
Technical Specialization - Vehicle Systems Engineering
Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia
São PauloBachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
UNIFACS - Universidade Salvador
Skills
- Technical Domain: Exterior Systems Design, Class A Surface Feasibility, Sealing & Glazing, Injection Molding & Stamping Processes, GD&T & Stack-ups
- Engineering Tools: Catia V5/3DX, NX, Teamcenter, WERS, AVBOM, Jira, DFMEA, DVP&R
- Project Management: Supplier Technical Assistance Collaboration, Cost Reduction (TVM), Launch Readiness, Risk Mitigation, Agile Methodologies
- Reliability engineering
- Supplier management
- Product lifecycle management
- Value engineering
- Six sigma methodologies
- Product development expertise
- Cost reduction strategies
- Technical leadership
- Timeline management
- Continuous improvement
- Prototype development
- Product improvements
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
Accomplishments
- Bronco Quality Sprint (USA): Selected for a 4-week on-site deployment in Michigan to support the Bronco Soft Top quality sprint.
- Cost Savings Award: Secured over $50,000 in tooling investment savings by spearheading a key quality improvement initiative during the New EcoSport launch, earning formal recognition.
- Global Collaboration: Delivered essential on-site engineering support in Germany for the Global Ka prototype build, playing a vital role in advancing pre-production milestones.
Certification
Certification: Six Sigma Green Belt
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Portuguese
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Senior Product Engineer | Exterior & Power Closure Systems
Ford Motor Company
03.2023 - Current
Cost Reduction Engineer (TVM)
Ford Motor Company
12.2020 - 02.2023
Product Engineer | Sealing, Glazing & Mechanisms
Ford Motor Company
01.2014 - 11.2020
Junior Product Engineer
Ford Motor Company
01.2008 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
UNIFACS - Universidade Salvador
Technical Specialization - Vehicle Systems Engineering
Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia