Design and Release Engineer-Cockpit and Trim

Ford Motor•Dearborn, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the design and release of cockpit and trim applications for vehicle programs throughout all phases of product development, including Studio, Design, Validation, and Launch. The role is part of Ford Product Development, which uses design thinking and user experience methods to deliver customer-focused products and services, including advancements in autonomy, electrification, and smart mobility. The position covers design, development, validation, and release of automotive systems, subsystems, and components, as well as monitoring interior system development against Ford-specific benchmarks. The engineer translates customer, regulatory, and product requirements into engineering targets and ensures parts meet relevant corporate and local requirements, customer requirements, engineering and system design specifications, and manufacturing and assembly requirements. The position also supports suppliers and assembly departments with production quality and manufacturing issues, addresses customer feedback, and identifies design improvements for quality and cost or weight optimization. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work four or more days per week. The role is offered at salary grades 5 through 8, with stated ranges of $65,100–$109,300, $74,300–$124,500, $86,600–$144,900, and $99,100–$166,200, respectively. Final grade and salary depend on candidate skills and experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar degree.
At least 3 years of experience in automotive cockpit and trim applications.
At least 3 years of experience in launch, root cause analysis for design or manufacturing issues, and rapid implementation of corrective actions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar degree.
Experience using design tools such as CATIA, Teamcenter, Digital Buck, GD&T, and RSS Studies/DFMEA.
Proficiency with analytical tools such as CAE and Moldflow.
Experience with complex systems, injection molding, and secondary tooling.
Ability to compile data into decision matrices, report summaries, or similar materials for presentation to Program and Interior Management teams.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Team-oriented approach.
Self-driven, highly motivated, and open to new challenges.
Demonstrated delivery of results.
Experience designing and developing interior instrument panel systems, console systems, or related components.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, validate, and release automotive systems, subsystems, and components for FSS/Build-To-Print suppliers on assigned programs.
Monitor development of interior systems for Ford vehicles against company-specific benchmarks.
Design parts to meet corporate and local validation requirements, Worldwide Customer Requirements, Engineering Specifications, Systems Design Specifications, and manufacturing and assembly requirements.
Translate customer, regulatory, and product requirements into engineering targets.
Monitor suppliers and analyze customer feedback through Ford systems.
Manage incorporation of parts at the assembly plant.
Support suppliers and assembly departments with current production quality and manufacturing issues.
Identify design improvements to increase quality and optimize cost and weight.