Product Development Engineer - Body Exterior (Ford Racing)

Ford • Allen Park, MI

2d

About The Position

Drive Engineering Excellence: Lead the end-to-end design, release, and delivery of Body Exterior components and systems, ensuring every part meets the rigorous standards of Ford Racing. Master Program Metrics: Orchestrate Quality, Cost, Weight, Function, and Timing (QCWFT) to hit critical Global Product Development System (GPDS) milestones. Innovate for the Extremes: Develop groundbreaking solutions for off-road and performance vehicles, utilizing advanced CAE analysis and physical testing to prove out your designs. Lead Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with Purchasing to source commodities and manage Full Service Suppliers (FSS) and internal/external resources to ensure flawless program execution. Protect the DNA: Ensure every component conforms to the "Ford Performance DNA" while strictly adhering to all regulatory and safety requirements. Bridge Design to Reality: Support prototype and launch builds by resolving technical issues and managing design changes in real-time. Collaborate Across the Enterprise: Maintain a seamless interface with the Core Body Exterior Engineering organization to leverage best practices and shared technologies. Continuous Improvement: Support ongoing production, quality enhancements, and cost-optimization efforts to keep our fleet at the front of the pack. Established and active employee resource groups

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in Body Exterior Design & Release (D&R), including the successful delivery of at least one complete vehicle program. (Experience in Body Structures or Closures will also be considered).
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with CAD (CATIA) and visualization tools (Vis Mockup).
• A deep understanding of GPDS and a working knowledge of Teamcenter, DFMEA, FEDE, FEDEBOM, and WERS.
• Strong fabrication and mockup skills to create physical "proof of concept" prototypes.
• The ability to independently connect analytical data with physical hardware to drive vehicle performance.
• A genuine obsession for performance vehicles and the motorsports industry.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Degree: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME).
• Launch Expertise: Direct experience navigating the intensity of a vehicle launch environment.
• Off-Road Insight: A background in off-road vehicle dynamics or aftermarket performance upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, release, and delivery of Body Exterior components and systems
• Orchestrate Quality, Cost, Weight, Function, and Timing (QCWFT) to hit critical Global Product Development System (GPDS) milestones
• Develop groundbreaking solutions for off-road and performance vehicles, utilizing advanced CAE analysis and physical testing
• Collaborate with Purchasing to source commodities and manage Full Service Suppliers (FSS) and internal/external resources
• Ensure every component conforms to the "Ford Performance DNA" while strictly adhering to all regulatory and safety requirements
• Support prototype and launch builds by resolving technical issues and managing design changes in real-time
• Maintain a seamless interface with the Core Body Exterior Engineering organization to leverage best practices and shared technologies
• Support ongoing production, quality enhancements, and cost-optimization efforts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees