Audio Systems Lead Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lead the development and delivery of best-in-class (BIC) performance for branded and non-branded audio systems. Work closely with Ford audio component engineers and cross-functional teams—including vehicle program, electrical, software, acoustics, design, purchasing, quality, and manufacturing partners—to align system requirements, resolve integration challenges, and deliver a cohesive in-vehicle listening experience. Serve as the central point of coordination between internal Ford teams and suppliers, translating customer and program needs into clear technical direction. Guide audio system development from concept through validation and launch, facilitating design reviews, managing issues and trade-offs, and keeping stakeholders aligned on performance, quality, cost, and timing objectives. Collaborate with suppliers to assess proposed solutions, track deliverables, and ensure the final audio system meets Ford’s technical and program requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
• At least two years of design and release experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Ford systems and processes, such as WERS, AVBOM, AIMS, eFDVS, GPDS, and Integrator.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with 8D, 6-Panel, and FMEA methodologies.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following technical areas: acoustics and equalization (EQ), thermal management, power amplification, software development, vehicle CAN communications, and electronic-module packaging.
• Proactive, self-motivated approach, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork, organizational, leadership, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a broad range of internal Ford teams and external stakeholders, including suppliers.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities while meeting program milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured problem resolution for DEMS, VOCF, and FCPA audit issues, using SIMPSN and 8D disciplines to identify root causes, coordinate corrective actions, and verify effective closure.
• Use CAN tools to flash audio-system DSPs and diagnose system interactions. Capture and analyze CAN logs, learn message structures, and identify critical CAN messaging to support integration and troubleshooting.
• Deliver audio-system commitments to program GPDS milestones, including commercial sourcing (TO4), packaging support, device transmittals, subsystem compatibility, quality and reliability documentation, component and vehicle DV, prototype build support, and software and EQ releases.
• Support prototype builds across BB, DCV, TT, PP, MP1, and MP2 phases, coordinating issue resolution and ensuring audio-system readiness at each milestone.
• Conduct vehicle-level DV and oversee testing led by audio SMEs, including thermal and acoustic validation. Track results, address gaps, and coordinate follow-up actions.
• Partner closely with the Core Team to develop, review, and resolve specification issues and concerns, aligning technical decisions with program requirements and timing.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

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