Mechatronic Subsystems Engineer - Access & Locking

Ford • Dearborn, MI

3d • $84,480 - $152,120 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mechatronic Subsystems Engineer will execute cross-domain mechatronics subsystem integration across vehicle programs, bridging electronics, mechanical hardware, features, controls, and software. The role applies standardized templates, mathematical models, and engineering frameworks developed by the Mechatronics Core team to active vehicle programs, with ownership of a specific subsystem such as access and locking. The engineer will capture feature intent before component design begins and manage physical-to-electrical transfer functions so software algorithms align with mechanical hardware limits and behavior.

This role supports Ford’s transition from isolated component delivery to synchronized subsystem engineering. It aims to improve integration, prevent late-stage vehicle build failures, and deliver first-time quality and customer experiences. The position is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience delivering products, systems, or features from conception to launch.
• At least 3 years of demonstrable experience with positive teamwork ethics and the ability to collaborate across competing engineering domains.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated capability working in a cross-functional team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of automotive access, locking, and authentication subsystems experience.
• Experience bridging physical hardware limitations and software controls (mechatronics).
• Experience with Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS) deliverables and timing.
• Proficiency in JIRA, FEDE, and JAMA, with technical experience using VSEM, Boundary Diagrams, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Experience with in-vehicle architectures and network communications, including CAN, LIN, and Ethernet, and their constraints and complexity.
• Experience with Component Design and Release (D&R), program management and planning, business strategy, and product coordination.
• Experience with risk management techniques, 8D/14D problem-solving, and active vehicle build triage in Breadboard, HIL, and plant-floor settings.
• Hands-on experience with physical-to-electrical modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and Mathcad.
• Prior experience as a Systems Engineer, Subsystem Lead, or Integration/Test Engineer on a major vehicle program.
• Demonstrated continuous-improvement mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply standardized templates, mathematical models, and engineering frameworks to assigned vehicle programs and subsystems.
• Ingest feature- or system-level requests and decompose them into synchronized mechanical, electrical, and software requirements.
• Coordinate with Feature, System, VHE (Hardware), and CVS (Software) teams to confirm performance and timing are physically achievable before code is written or parts are tooled.
• Develop program-specific Subsystem Boundary Diagrams, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Subsystem Electrical Block Diagrams.
• Lead active vehicle build issue triage across Breadboard, HIL, and plant-floor environments; investigate data logs, identify root causes, and define containment plans.
• Align Agile software sprints using Jira with mechanical hardware timelines under GPDS.
• Coordinate with D&R teams on subsystem timelines, risk mitigation plans, and integration readiness for program milestones such as FDJ.
• Use design guardrails to prevent direct Feature-to-Electronic DR handoffs and maintain traceability from feature intent to component execution.
• Support resolution of vehicle-development integration challenges, including 14Ds, CCRGs, and PACs.
• Develop subsystem-level verification and sign-off plans for current and future vehicle programs.
• Own end-to-end subsystem integration readiness, including performance, issue resolution, and launch timing commitments.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• 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.
• Active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• 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