Product Development Engineer - Rear Axle D&R

Ford • Livonia, MI

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position:
Join our team as a Design and Release Engineer for the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Rear Axle. You will hold critical engineering responsibility for a leading drivetrain system within the industry, directly contributing to the superior performance and segment-defining capabilities of the Expedition and Navigator. We're actively developing exciting new designs, and your talent is essential to bringing these innovations to market.
The Opportunity: As a Design & Release Engineer within the Underbody Systems Engineering (UnSE) organization, you will be the primary owner of the Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Rear Axle for the iconic Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicle lines. This critical platform is exclusively built in our North American assembly plants, notably the Kentucky Truck Plant, with the axle assemblies manufactured at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
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; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in automotive engineering

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
• Ability to travel occasionally (estimated less than 10%)

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and release of innovative engineering solutions to significantly enhance the performance, efficiency, and durability of the IRS Rear 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 IRS Rear 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

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