Design & Release Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and connected, the Core Antenna D&R Engineer is critical to the success of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, autonomous driving features, and the overall digital customer experience. You ensure the "backbone" of the vehicle's communication system is robust, reliable, and future-proof. The Core Antenna D&R Engineer bridges the gap between electromagnetic theory and physical vehicle implementation. In this role, you will be responsible for taking an antenna from a conceptual requirement through RF simulation, supplier sourcing, physical packaging, and final production release. You will play a key role in shaping the future of connected and autonomous vehicles at Ford Motor Company.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer or Mechanical Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience with electrical component design and development process in the automotive industry.
• Strong interpersonal/team participation skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and understanding of AM/FM/DAB, Satellite Radio, Cellular, GNSS and C-V2X reception theory.
• 2+ years of experience with Radio Frequency (RF) receiver/tuner or antenna system designs.
• Packaging knowledge of automotive antenna systems.
• Experience working with Tier 1 supplier to develop components for automotive applications.

Responsibilities

• Utilize electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST) to predict antenna performance, gain, and radiation patterns based on vehicle placement (e.g., roof, glass, or body panels).
• Collaborate with Styling/Studio to ensure antennas meet aesthetic requirements and with Body/Trim teams to manage physical packaging and cabling.
• Lead Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers through the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process, ensuring they meet Ford’s technical specifications, cost targets, and delivery timelines. Chair Program Attribute Team (PAT) meetings to track product development activities.
• Oversee Over-the-Air (OTA) testing in anechoic chambers and field testing to verify performance against requirements like Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) and Total Radiated Power (TRP).
• Manage the formal release of components into Ford systems (such as WERS), including the creation of Engineering Specifications (ES), Statements of Work (SOW), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Quality History, etc.

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