Mechatronic Design and Release Engineer – In-Vehicle Infotainment

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mechatronic Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the development and integration of critical infotainment and connectivity systems, including the IVI ECU (with displays and touchscreens), gateway modules, and the telematics modem (cellular 4G/5G, GNSS/GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth), as well as antennas, eSIM, and V2X. This role focuses on the electronics, power and thermal performance, packaging, and vehicle integration of these systems, ensuring seamless interface with the vehicle's electrical network and high-speed data networks.
The engineer is accountable for all product deliverables from initial design through production launch, including the design and execution of comprehensive mechatronic test setups and detailed test cases to validate system performance, power and thermal behavior, connectivity, and reliability. This includes both bench-level and vehicle-level validation, often requiring custom tools and methodologies to ensure system robustness, signal integrity, and physical integration into the vehicle.

Requirements

• BSEE (MSEE) or MS in Mechatronics Engineering preferred. Other disciplines may be considered if the candidate has comparable job experience.
• 5+ years of experience in automotive Design and Release (DR) or electronic hardware development.
• Expertise in simulation and analysis tools: MATLAB, LTSpice, and Mathcad.
• Advanced proficiency with Vector tools (CANalyzer, CANoe) and diagnostic hardware (Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, high-speed network/protocol analyzers, Thermal Imaging Cameras).
• Strong background in mechatronic systems, including display/touchscreen hardware, haptics, thermal management, and high-speed connector and antenna integration.
• Experience with power performance, thermal management, and physical packaging of high-performance electronic modules.
• Experience in developing custom test scripts or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing setups.
• Strong analytical skills (including 8D, 6-Panel, FMEA) and experience with electronic circuit design and board layout.
• Familiarity with high-speed automotive networks and wireless communication, including Automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 / 1000BASE-T1) and TSN, CAN FD, LIN, display interfaces (LVDS, MIPI, GMSL, FPD-Link), USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular (4G/5G), GNSS, and V2X.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for cross-functional cooperation across the DR community.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in electronic circuit design or connected/infotainment systems within the automotive industry.
• Familiarity with the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Proficiency with Ford product development system applications (e.g., WERS, FEDEBOM, Team Center, Integrator, 3DX, etc.).
• Proficiency with model-based systems engineering tools (e.g., MagicDraw / SysML).
• Solid understanding of EMC specifications and mitigation techniques, including high-speed signal integrity.
• In-depth knowledge of the automotive product development lifecycle (e.g., Ford GPDS) from concept to mass production.
• Experience with PCB design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434) and functional safety (ISO 26262) for connected systems.

Responsibilities

• Support all vehicle prototype builds, product launch, and service issues related to IVI, gateway, and connectivity electronic hardware and mechatronic integration.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including the creation of original test cases and custom testing tools for both bench and vehicle-level validation.
• Perform circuit simulations, power and thermal studies, and hardware-level analysis using tools such as LTSpice and MATLAB to ensure robust electronic design, including thermal management of high-performance SoCs and power stages.
• Lead the power performance, thermal management, and physical packaging of IVI modules, including PCB layout density, enclosure design, EMI shielding, heat dissipation strategy, and power budget/quiescent draw management.
• Lead the integration of these systems into the vehicle, including module mounting, harness routing, thermal interfaces to vehicle structure, and antenna placement and routing for optimal cellular, GNSS, Wi-Fi, and V2X signal performance.
• Support the electromechanical integration of displays and touchscreens, including mounting, optical bonding, haptic feedback hardware, and thermal behavior of large-format displays.
• Lead the troubleshooting and problem-resolution process using vehicle network tools (Vector CANalyzer/CANoe) and high-speed network analysis tools. Collect and analyze data, review system schematics, and evaluate vehicle EDS as required.
• Collaborate closely with Component, Architecture, Systems Engineering teams to ensure hardware/software compatibility and alignment with vehicle electrical and connectivity requirements.
• Support the development of robust foundation documents, including DFMEA, Design Specifications, D/PVPR, and Worst-Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA).
• Lead technical design reviews for module hardware requirements, thermal/power interfaces, and mechanical/packaging interfaces.
• Manage Tier 1 supplier engineering activities on a case-by-case basis to ensure component delivery meets Ford's rigorous quality and timing standards.
• Lead cross-functional teams to drive timely resolution of program-specific engineering issues using failure detection strategies (Fishbone, 8D, etc.).
• Lead the delivery of all engineering requirements for IVI and connectivity mechatronic components per each development milestone, as defined by the Ford product development process.
• Develop solutions to revise or add features to infotainment and connectivity systems as they impact hardware, thermal/power performance, packaging, and electronic control logic.
• Ensure designs meet cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434), functional safety (ISO 26262), and EMC requirements for connected systems.

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
• Education Level: Associate degree