Design & Release Engineer-Transmission Pan and Covers

Ford • Livonia, MI

7d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The automotive industry is quickly moving towards a greater number of new powertrains to meet customer and market demands. With this shift, there is an expanding need for robust, lightweight, and cost-effective transmission pan and cover solutions—spanning nylon molded and metal (stamped) designs—for new and unique powertrain architectures. As the engineer for transmission pans and covers, you will have the unique opportunity to own all stages of the product design, development, and release. Your work will span from design concept to full-scale production, with an emphasis on quality, cost, weight, and functional performance.

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 of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline.
• 2+ years of experience with transmission pans and covers.
• 1+ years of CAD experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master's of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline.
• Strong engineering, problem solving, communication and teamwork skills.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, quality management processes/tools and experience reading/creating engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience performing failure analysis of mechanical systems and components.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma principles and experience using Minitab or similar statistical analysis tool.
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAE tools, AutoCAD, MagicDraw, SysML.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, metallurgy and heat treatment of steel.
• Working knowledge of MS Excel, Word & Power Point.
• Working knowledge of the Ford release systems (WERS).

Responsibilities

• Lead Design & Release (D&R) activities for Nylon Molded and Metal Pan & Stamped Covers across current and future applications.
• Develop component designs that meet sealing, fluid retention, and structural performance requirements.
• Lead component design, validation, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) activities.
• Manage prototype and production build delivery and quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize weight, cost, and performance of pan and cover components.
• Lead “Team of 4” cross functional meetings between PD, Purchasing, Finance and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to deliver program targets.
• Interface with systems engineering team, Ford manufacturing plants and component suppliers to meet program objectives for quality, cost, weight, durability and NVH.
• Interface with CAD/CAE, manufacturing engineering and suppliers to deliver optimized designs and identify manufacturing feasibility.
• Create and maintain FMA documents e.g. DFMEA, DVP&R, P-Diagram, Boundary Diagram.
• Plan and manage prototype parts ordering and component/system level testing.
• Manage supplier delivery and Ford milestones through Job1. Complete PPAP and production implementation on new programs or changes to existing parts.
• Analyze warranty/test hardware to identify root cause of failure and define corrective actions using 8D tools/methods.
• Benchmark, identify and implement current model quality and cost reduction actions.

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