Product Development Engineer-Advanced Steering Systems Mechatronics

Ford • Dearborn, MI

4d • $65,100 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

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!
In this position...
Advanced Steering Systems Mechatronics Engineer is a multidisciplinary engineer to support the development and validation of steering systems in Dearborn, Michigan. This role combines systems engineering, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing, test automation, and hands-on mechanical and electrical test-system development. The successful candidate will contribute in one or more of these areas while collaborating across disciplines to expand their capabilities and deliver reliable, scalable steering validation solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• 3+ years engineering experience in at least one of the following areas: Steering Systems engineering, Embedded-system testing or test automation, HiL, lab automation, or test-system integration, Electrical systems, harnesses, circuits, or automotive networks, Mechanical design, fixtures, or electromechanical integration.

Nice To Haves

• MS degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• 5+ years engineering experience in the following areas is preferred. Candidates are not expected to possess every listed qualification:
• Automotive steering, embedded control systems, electrification, robotics, or other mechatronic systems.
• HiL platforms and test toolchains such as Vector CANoe, vTESTstudio, VT System, dSPACE, Speedgoat, or NI VeriStand.
• Programming or test automation using Python, C, CAPL, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools.
• Automotive communications, including CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, SENT, or related protocols.
• Requirements-driven development, systems engineering, MBSE, or V-model practices.
• Functional Safety, ISO 26262, FMEA, HARA, fault insertion, or failure-mode analysis.
• Electrical schematic, wire-harness, PCB, signal-conditioning, power-distribution, or I/O design.
• Mechanical fixture design, 3D modeling, tolerancing, prototyping, BOM development, or manufacturing support.
• Laboratory debugging using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, network-analysis tools, or similar equipment.
• Continuous integration, version control, automated reporting, or tools such as GitHub and Jenkins.
• Supplier coordination, technical design reviews, equipment procurement, facility planning, or vehicle launch.
• Steering-system development and Ford engineering processes or tools.
• Developing, executing, and troubleshooting experience with electromechanical systems test plans on HiL test bench and vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate advanced steering systems, including electric power steering and Steer-by-Wire, from concept through production.
• Define system requirements, verification methods, test plans, and automated test cases for functional, performance, safety, and regression testing.
• Design, build, integrate, and maintain HiL benches, test fixtures, wire harnesses, circuits, and supporting lab infrastructure.
• Execute system and subsystem testing, fault insertion, troubleshooting, and failure analysis across hardware, software, controls, and vehicle interfaces.
• Develop test automation and analysis tools using applicable programming, simulation, and automotive network toolchains.
• Apply systems engineering, Functional Safety, and failure-mode-avoidance principles to requirements, design, and validation.
• Support bench commissioning, electrical and mechanical integration, supplier technical reviews, equipment procurement, and lab-capacity improvements.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including schematics, fixture designs, bills of materials, interface definitions, test procedures, and reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers to resolve technical issues and meet program deliverables.
• Contribute technical depth in one or more disciplines while developing broader capability across mechatronics and HiL engineering.

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