Automotive: Jobs Landed

I am the software developer and database administrator for a small business in Ann Arbor that does consulting for OEMs and dealerships all over the world.  I enjoy my job because I have a lot of flexibility and freedom in what I create and design, and because of the size of the company I get to be involved in the entire product life cycle.  I am the only one who does what I do at my company, so there is a lot of autonomy.  When I was looking for a job seven years ago, Michigan (astonishingly) had the most opportunities and I was quickly snatched up!  I was happy to come back to Ann Arbor, as I love this city.  There is always something to do, it's very safe, has wonderful libraries, and I got a great deal on a house close to the Huron, so I can go for a quick paddle whenever I want!  I'm involved in a wonderful church family and am surrounded by interesting and well educated people, including other software engineers which helps when I want to bounce around ideas.  The tech community in this area is big, and provides a healthy environment for start ups and like-minded developers.

I like my job because it puts me directly where the rubber meets the road. I'm right in the middle of where the engines that go in a lot of Chrysler vehicles are made. My job entails ensuring that every day the plant is meeting or exceeding our production, while maintaining a strong budget. I'm still learning a lot about the whole manufacturing process and manufacturing process right now because I just started working three weeks ago, but I'm really enjoying it. I chose the Chrysler opportunity over a few others because it gave me the strongest foundation to learn, and grow with an international company that is reinventing itself. I wanted to be a part of that transformation, and perhaps lead it one day.

I chose the Ann Arbor area because it would be full of young professionals and people my age. I'm originally from Florida, and I keep moving farther north for school and now work, so I don't really know many people. I really like the college town feel, and I'm slowly getting to know downtown Ann Arbor - and I love it so far.

Technical consulting bridges the gap between engineering fundamentals and business strategies. I work on a multitude of projects that span all aspects of vehicle engineering from engine optimization and fuel economy to full vehicle concept development for the future civilian and defense industries. Although we do not do full manufacturing we often build concepts and test vehicles. My job requires me to think outside the box, demands creativity all while being supported by my technical education.

For Fanco International, I am responsible for developing markets and program management mainly focusing on the asian market.

I work with a research team at the University of Michigan that creates automated methods to process and analyze volumes of medical  imaging data. We use this data to support crash and medical research. The job profile pretty much matched what I was looking for. I work with a small group which gives me a lot of freedom and as a bonus, I am loving Ann Arbor.

The core function of my job is to drive vehicles on the test track and collect necessary data from the car for software engineers and calibration engineers.  I choose to work in this area because my focus of study is Control Theory and this job might give me opportunity to apply my knowledge in controls in the future.  Lastly, I found this job through the GM website.

I work in the Treasury Department of company called Lear Corporation. As the company is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, a large portion of their revenues and costs are in foreign currencies. Thus, my main job is to help manage the company’ s exposure to fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, which is the largest and most liquid market in the world. My group and I basically attempt to forecast which direction different currencies are headed based on economic fundamentals and political events.

We then ‘hedge’ our exposure by making contracts with banks where we agree to exchange a fixed amount of a currency at a fixed price in the future---using a derivate instrument called a forward contract. My job requires a strong predilection for current events and the international political economy. With political crises erupting throughout the Middle East, and one of the worst natural disasters of our time striking Japan, my experience has expanded my world view immensely, and I have a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of the economic and political systems between different countries. All in all I enjoy my job, although I warn you, adjusting your sleep schedule after college truly sucks!

I work in human resources for Federal-Mogul. I support about 400 employees in 9 different locations who make up the Research & Development and Technology of the company. My manager and coworkers are great. They are supportive and I also have a good time working with them. Working with Federal-Mogul has given me the opportunity to learn more about human resources, technology and business in general.
 
Through Federal-Mogul's Recreation Council I coordinate appreciation events to acknowledge employees' hard work and commitment. Although the automotive industry has seen some rough times we have all managed to stay positive. The amount of recruiting I have done in 2010 is a good indication of the market starting to turnaround.

I manage the commercial relationships with GM, Chrysler, and other automotive start-up companies. I work with these customers to acquire and maintain business that will utilize the steering products offered by my company, such as electric powered steering. I enjoy the challenges of working in an industry that is changing everyday!  In particular, I find it exciting to work at a company that brings latest technology products to the market which will advance the products of my customers and benefit the end-consumer in ways like improving fuel economy.

I work at both Ford and the Flemings Group. At Ford, I manage and analyze current catalytic converters suppliers and market trends to negotiate prices, terms and conditions. At The Flemings Group, I am a Speaker/Consultant who works with students, professionals, and businesses to develop their online and off-line brand message.

My company is based in Australia, however I work in the Ann Arbor office. I create Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) primarily for the automotive industry. I am one of a team of 5 developers in our North American office. My job is to create attractive, innovative & easy to use software.

I work at both Ford and the Flemings Group. At Ford, I manage and analyze current catalytic converters suppliers and market trends to negotiate prices, terms and conditions. At The Flemings Group, I am a Speaker/Consultant who works with students, professionals, and businesses to develop their online and off-line brand message.

In my sales position at Extreme Dodge Hyundai, l manage the Hyundai Sales Franchise and sell new and pre-owned vehicles.