Design and Release Engineer-Suspensions

Ford • Dearborn, MI

3d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Design and Release Engineer for Suspensions develops suspension systems and components for multiple vehicle programs. The role is responsible for meeting internal and external customer expectations for component design, including function, fit, quality, and cost. The engineer leads design development, supplier sourcing and management, validation, milestone delivery, and resolution of functional, durability, and assembly issues. The position works with cross-functional engineering, vehicle, manufacturing, and supplier teams to deliver robust components to production and sustain product quality after launch.

The role is hybrid and requires onsite work four or more days per week, including support at Ford manufacturing facilities during pre-production builds and production ramp-up.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• At least 1 year of suspension experience, including internships and coursework.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering.
• At least 2 years of experience in design and release of coil springs and stabilizer bar systems.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management, launch, and global program delivery.
• Demonstrated technical understanding and leadership.
• Demonstrated teamwork, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Hands-on experience with CAD (CATIA and 3Dx) release processes, sourcing processes, creating test requests, and documenting evidence supporting requirements and design rules.
• Passion for zero defects and customer satisfaction, high energy, drive for results, and openness to learning.
• Curiosity and a strong desire to learn Suspension Design and Release Engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development of cost-, weight-, and functionally efficient suspension components and systems.
• Collaborate with Ford Purchasing to source suspension components and systems, including conducting supplier technical reviews.
• Deliver program milestone requirements on time, particularly in-plant dates, with quality documentation.
• Manage part and system changes and resolve functional, durability, and assembly issues.
• Apply engineering disciplines and processes, including DFMEA, PFMEA, requirements, design rules, engineering specifications, DVP&R, drawings, control plans, and SCCAF.
• Ensure compatibility with interfacing systems and components, including attaching hardware and joint design.
• Manage multiple suppliers and support Supplier Technical Assistance engineers in delivering quality production parts, including through onsite supplier visits.
• Guide validation of suspension components and systems by reviewing test loads, setups, reports, and results at vehicle, system, and component levels, and documenting reporting requirements in the Ford Engineering Design Environment.
• Lead technical design reviews at required milestones and participate in management reviews.
• Coordinate with chassis, vehicle engineering, vehicle evaluation and verification, vehicle operations, and plant teams to deliver robust suspension components and systems that meet vehicle-level performance requirements.
• Support pre-production builds onsite at Ford manufacturing facilities and resolve issues as production ramps up.
• Participate in Suspension Tech Clubs and the Foundation Design Review to influence requirements and design rules and learn about new technologies and processes.
• Support warranty reviews and help maintain product quality and achieve quality goals after Job 1.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup childcare.
• 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: Entry Level