Accessory Development Engineer
About The Position
The Vehicle Accessory Product Development Engineer works closely with studio designers to develop new design concepts and collaborates 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, spanning systems such as roof and bed solutions and other innovative accessories. The engineer supports development from concept through manufacturing and quality launch activities. The position is part of Ford’s Product Creation and Industrialization organization, which connects vehicle, electric, digital, and design teams with the global manufacturing system to develop vehicles, software, and experiences. The role is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
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.
- Demonstrated 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 design and engineering differences based on production volume and functional and cosmetic features.
- Familiarity with legislative requirements affecting design feasibility.
- Understanding of GD&T, craftsmanship, and CMF and how design execution is affected.
- Experience with automotive Class A surface feasibility assessment and development, vehicle layout and package, 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 the product development lifecycle from concept to production, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development, manufacturing, launch, and service phases.
- Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and materials to drive innovation.
- Work 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
