Design & Release Engineer- Hybrid & ICE Clutches

Ford • Livonia, MI

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters. 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! Join the team defining the future of Ford Motor Company’s powertrain portfolio. As a Clutch Design & Release Engineer, you will support the rapidly growing complexity of Hybrid and ICE Transmission programs. This is a "cradle-to-grave" ownership role: you will lead the design, development, and production release of critical clutch components that directly impact vehicle performance, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), and durability. The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements. The D&R Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem. The D&R Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• 3+ years of experience in product design, specifically within automotive transmission or rotating component environments.
• 1+ years of experience with CAD software (e.g., CATIA or Siemens NX).

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• 5+ years of industry experience with automatic transmission components and sub-systems.
• Direct experience in clutch design and friction material application.
• Strong working knowledge of problem-solving methodologies (8D, Fishbone, etc.).
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• A "self-starter" mindset with the ability to motivate cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex technical data concisely to leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and release of automatic transmission clutch components and assemblies from concept to full-scale production.
• Develop clutch architectures that meet rigorous powertrain attributes, including strength, durability, and NVH.
• Release 3D and 2D CAD models that meet system-level design requirements.
• Partner with CAE teams to conduct virtual testing (strength, capacity, and NVH analysis) and oversee physical validation testing.
• Lead the Component Program Module Team (CPMT) for clutch assemblies, reporting status to senior transmission leadership.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating to select suppliers and achieve program cost/weight targets.
• Interface with engineers of surrounding systems (gears, bearings, pumps, castings) to ensure seamless integration.
• Manage internal and external suppliers through manufacturing kick-off, tooling, and production changes.
• Develop and maintain critical quality documentation, including DFMEAs and DVP&Rs.
• Resolve plant, warranty, and high-mileage issues for current and past models to reduce warranty spend.
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives to optimize cost and weight without compromising performance.

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees