Design and Release Engineer-Steering Systems

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more! In this position, the Steering Engineer is responsible for the Steering Column, Locks, Shift Lever, Intermediate Shaft, and Dash Boot across the full engineering lifecycle - from requirements and standards development through supplier technical management and design execution. You will join a team that strives to ensure engineering technical excellence with a focus on reliability, Failure Mode Avoidance, quality, technical design reviews, and robust design sign-off.

Requirements

• BSME, BSEE, or similar engineering degree from an accredited institution.
• 2 years of automotive steering systems experience.
• 1 year of CAD experience.

Nice To Haves

• MS Engineering or Technical/Engineering Management (or related).
• Prior experience as a Design & Release Engineer and/or Core/foundation engineering experience.
• Prior experience with chassis, steering, or other safety-critical components.
• Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA), DFMEA, FUSA.
• Systems Engineering exposure (SySML/MBSE, SDS Requirements, Functional Specifications).
• Statistical Data Analysis / Minitab.
• GD&T and reading prints.
• Working knowledge of Ford engineering tools: WERS, FEDE, Teamcenter.
• Advanced problem-solving skills (8D, 5 Whys, DOE, Is/Is Not tools).
• CAD (CATIA).
• Supplier management / RFQ experience.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong teamwork; able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage steering component suppliers, including technical development and RFQ support.
• Review, release and maintain 2D & 3D CAD models and Engineering Specifications.
• Develop and maintain foundational standards and processes (DFMEA/FUSA, SDS Requirements, Functional Specifications, Design Rules, Interface Drawings, Test Methods, SCAFF/SCCP).
• Review and sign off on supplier test reports and validation data.
• Deliver program timing, cost, weight and quality targets.
• Develop Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA) and Reliability documentation.
• Design, develop and package Upper Steering systems and components.
• Support execution of the Upper Steering Commodity Business Plan and new supplier/technology development.
• Resolve design, package, and quality issues; support Prevent Recurrence activities for FSA, Stop Ship, and High-Priority issues.
• Participate in Technical Design Reviews to ensure clean sign-off against requirements and design rules with disciplined DVP&Rs.
• Prepare and present project/technical milestone status reports.
• Develop and analyze complex dimensional stack-ups.
• Support vehicle CAE, NVH, Dynamics and Safety teams as needed.
• Perform vehicle build sign-offs; support vehicle launches and issue resolution.
• Support Ford/supplier plant reviews (APQP, PFMEA, SCCAF, Control Plans).
• Work with the Plant Vehicle Team (PVT), Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) and suppliers to track and improve warranty performance.
• Identify and implement cost-saving ideas.
• Domestic and international travel to supplier/Ford manufacturing sites as needed (approximately 1–2 times per year per site).

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child-care 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
• Education Level: Associate degree