Product Development Engineer - Diesel Engine Systems

Ford • Dearborn, MI

3d • $74,300 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated engineer to drive the design, development, integration, and release of diesel engine systems and components, supporting product quality, performance, and program milestones. This position may be filled at either the Engine Systems Engineer or Component Engineer level, depending on the candidate’s experience, technical expertise, and business needs. The role is responsible for the full lifecycle of diesel engine systems and/or components, from initial concept and program assumptions through final production sign-off.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders, lead technical discussions, and effectively present to leadership
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment
• Strong program management and execution skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate complex projects, and deliver results aligned with performance, timing, and cost targets
• The D&R Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem.

Nice To Haves

• Proven delivery of balanced Quality, Cost, Weight and Functional attributes for components / sub-systems.
• Utilization of Six Sigma tools & problem-solving tools. (8D’s, 3 legged 5 Why’s, etc.)
• Knowledge of functions and components of an internal combustion engine
• Knowledge of GD&T / dimensional control, PPAP and APQP principals.
• Prior experience executing effective quality documentation (i.e. FMEA’s, Control Plans, SCCAF’s, etc.)
• Knowledge of NVH, Materials, Durability, and Manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, integration, validation, release, and launch of diesel engine systems and components, ensuring alignment with performance, cost, weight, quality, durability, and functional targets.
• Drive forward model product development activities, including concept definition, system architecture development, technology planning, and pre-program execution.
• Translate customer, regulatory, manufacturing, and product requirements into engineering targets, specifications, drawings, and technical deliverables.
• Manage engineering changes, drawing releases, and product definition activities, including change control, alerts, notices, concerns, and configuration management.
• Serve as CPMT Lead, owning subsystem delivery, cross-functional alignment, risk management, and achievement of program milestones.
• Lead and support key program forums, including EPMT, DPMT, design reviews, milestone reviews, and change control activities.
• Develop and execute DVP&R plans, including validation strategy, test planning, execution, results analysis, issue resolution, and formal sign-off.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, and analyze verification testing to ensure compliance with performance, durability, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead cross-functional integration with calibration, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, STA, and vehicle teams to ensure system compatibility, manufacturability, and launch readiness.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring design feasibility, timing, cost, and quality objectives are achieved.
• Coordinate prototype builds, vehicle integration activities, and production implementation, including Engine-as-Shipped and Engine-as-Installed releases.
• Interface with engine plants, vehicle assembly plants, suppliers, and sub-suppliers to support design development, issue resolution, manufacturing readiness, and launch execution.
• Lead resolution of design, manufacturing, quality, warranty, and launch-related issues using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Analyze customer, field, and manufacturing feedback to identify product and process improvements, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
• Develop and maintain engineering and quality documentation, including DFMEA, PPAP, PSW, ESOW, control plans, and launch readiness deliverables.
• Lead engine, system, and component quality metric reviews and ensure successful launch performance and production readiness.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including Total Value Management (TVM), cost reduction, quality enhancement, and process optimization activities.
• Provide on-site support at manufacturing facilities, assembly plants, supplier locations, and test facilities as required to support issue resolution, validation, and program execution.
• Support strategic initiatives, future product planning, technology development, and continuous improvement efforts across powertrain engineering while fostering collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, quality, and supplier organizations.

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