Product Development Engineer - Front Axle

Ford • Livonia, MI

1d • $72,480 - $162,120 • Hybrid

About The Position

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
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...
At Ford, we are driven by a shared vision to move the world and shape the future. We embrace innovation, collaborate passionately, and contribute to something larger than ourselves every day. Are you ready to be a part of transforming mobility?
Our Product Development team leverages design thinking and user experience methodologies to deliver breakthrough products and services that truly delight our customers. We are committed to bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life, with global opportunities to advance autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more.
The Opportunity: As a Design & Release Engineer within the Underbody Systems Engineering (UnSE) organization, you will be the primary owner of the Front Axles for the iconic Ford nameplates of Bronco, Ranger, and Everest. This position will be able to leverage global suppliers and Ford production plants across the world.
You will be instrumental in bridging engineering design with manufacturing reality, directly collaborating with skilled engineering teams and operators at both assembly and component plants. This role involves optimizing existing designs for streamlined assembly and maximizing the performance our customers expect, while also spearheading new design implementations. You will also leverage our onsite dynamometer cells, actively supporting comprehensive testing, teardown, and in-depth analysis of axles to ensure program Design Verification Plans (DVPs) are met and technical issues are swiftly resolved.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in automotive engineering
• The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
• Being agile with tasks and able to pick up new concepts and systems quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to travel occasionally (estimated less than 10%)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience with performance and durability testing, including both dynamometer and in-vehicle validation
• Robust understanding and application of Systems Engineering principles
• Familiarity with Ford's Design and Release Tools, such as WERS, Teamcenter, FEDE, ED&T, and processes including DVP, DFMEA, Quality History, and Warranty Analysis
• Proven strong problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to developing innovative engineering solutions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant engineering software tools for simulation, analysis, and modeling (e.g., CAD, CAE software)
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment and effectively collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and release of innovative engineering solutions to significantly enhance the performance, efficiency, and durability of the Front Axle system
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and other engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and successful implementation of new technologies and processes
• Manage and oversee rigorous testing and validation protocols, guaranteeing the highest levels of reliability, safety, and compliance for the Front Axle
• Conduct in-depth data analysis and provide critical technical insights to inform strategic product improvements and optimizations
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of the latest automotive industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory landscapes pertinent to axle systems
• Actively participate in and contribute to design reviews, technical meetings, and comprehensive project planning sessions
• Serve as a technical resource, leading the resolution of complex engineering issues and mentoring other team members
• Deliver to cost and quality targets that help customers experience the best of their vehicles

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees