Accessory Development Engineer

Ford • Long Beach, CA

17h • $118,700 - $232,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vehicle Accessory Product Development Engineer works with studio designers to develop new design concepts and partners with vehicle engineering and cross-functional teams on technical, feasibility, and cost trade-off studies. The role designs and engineers vehicle accessories that enhance vehicle functionality and aesthetics, exploring solutions such as roof and bed systems from concept through manufacturing and quality launch activities.

The engineer supports the full product development lifecycle, including design, prototyping, testing, supplier collaboration, manufacturing, production launch, and service. The position also contributes to vehicle development milestones and prototype and production build events, with a focus on quality, timelines, manufacturing and assembly feasibility, and serviceability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• At least 2 years of experience working on production vehicle development and launch.
• At least 4 years of collaborative CAD experience using 3DX, CATIA, NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias; 3DX and CATIA are preferred.
• At least 4 years of experience in exterior, interior systems, or accessory design, development, release, and supplier management.
• A record of development and launch experience for vehicle systems and accessories, such as roof applications, bed applications, or trailer hitch applications.

Nice To Haves

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, preferably including experience designing mechanisms and electromechanical components.
• Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes such as stamping, injection molding, casting, composites, paint, and other surface finishes.
• Understanding of how design and engineering vary with production volume and functional and cosmetic features.
• Familiarity with legislative requirements affecting design feasibility.
• Understanding of GD&T, craftsmanship, and CMF and how they affect design execution.
• Experience assessing and developing automotive Class A surface feasibility and vehicle layout/package, including body structures, exteriors, closures, and glazing.
• Hands-on experience building and launching automotive products.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle accessories using CAD and other engineering tools.
• Conduct feasibility studies, prototyping, and testing to ensure product performance and durability.
• Define accessory roadmaps using build-to-print and supplier co-development approaches.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to select materials and optimize production processes.
• Support product development from concept through production while meeting timelines and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development, manufacturing, launch, and service.
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and materials to drive innovation.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams to ensure manufacturing and assembly feasibility and serviceability.
• Support vehicle development milestones and prototype and production build events.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level