Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

A Product Development Engineer is responsible for defining, owning, and enforcing the electronic hardware and interface requirements for critical closure subsystems within Ford's electrical architectures. These subsystems include, but are not limited to, Door Control Units, Frunk Control Units, and Rear Gate Control Units, which integrate a multitude of body module functionalities such as load profile management, power bus control, Key Off Load management, window control, and other door & gate subsystems. This role is critical in ensuring robust hardware design, efficient IC selection, and adherence to component capabilities across all functional electrical and ambient ranges. The Core Closure Electronic Engineer will maintain rigorous requirements across body module interfaces for applicable vehicle programs, from concept to production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
• 5+ years of experience in electronic circuit design, specifically within automotive control systems or similar complex embedded hardware
• Thorough understanding of analog and digital hardware systems, particularly as applied to automotive control systems
• In-depth knowledge of the automotive product development lifecycle from concept to mass production
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting automotive electrical distribution schematics
• Solid understanding of EMC specifications and mitigation techniques
• Proficiency in engineering analysis methods, including Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) using tools like MathCAD or similar simulation software
• Proficiency with laboratory test equipment (e.g., multi-meters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers)
• Experience with PCB design and manufacturing processes
• Strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical information effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering
• 10+ years of experience in electronic circuit design or similar experience within the automotive industry
• Familiarity with the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
• Experience with Vector tools such as CANalyzer or CANoe
• Proficiency with Ford product development system applications (e.g., WERS, FEDEBOM, Team Center, Integrator, 3DX, etc)

Responsibilities

• Lead the electronic hardware design development for closure subsystems, collaborating closely with suppliers, system design and architecture teams.
• Define, author, and ensure strict adherence to technical specifications, industry standards, and Ford-specific requirements for closure subsystem electronics.
• Perform comprehensive load analysis and management to optimize power distribution, prevent overloads, and ensure robust functionality across all integrated features.
• Collaborate with Functional Safety teams to ensure all electronic designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262 principles).
• Ensure seamless integration and compatibility of closure electronics with interfacing vehicle subsystems and components.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with suppliers to clarify Ford requirements, drive robust component development, and manage design deviations as necessary.
• Act as a key technical liaison with internal stakeholders including Purchasing, Quality, and Vehicle Platforms.
• Lead and conduct vehicle system compatibility reviews for closure subsystems at key GPDS (Global Product Development System) milestones.
• Lead and support root cause analysis and resolution of product-related issues (e.g., build, plant, field) for closure electronics.
• Author and release Closure subsystem Requirements (RQTs) within Ford's engineering documentation systems (e.g., FEDE).
• Review and approve Closure subsystem Module Component Design Specifications (CDS).
• Provide technical support and guidance to global Body Module/Zonal Module application engineers.
• Investigate and assess the technical feasibility of new closure subsystem features and requirements, conducting comprehensive trade-off analyses for cost, quality, and reliability.
• Lead Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) for closure module hardware designs and drive resolution of identified issues.
• Support the development and release of component-level Hardware Specifications and Device Transmittals for closure modules.
• Review and provide ultimate sign-off authority for Design Verification (DV) and Process Validation (PV) plans and reports (DVP&R), ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Lead reviews and problem resolution for identified test failures, developing and implementing resolution plans with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain Failure Mode Analysis documentation for closure components.
• Prepare for and lead technical design review meetings, representing Closure Module teams (e.g., DCU, FHCM, RGTM, Zonal Module) in management and vehicle program reviews to explain and defend technical findings and recommendations.
• Leverage technical expertise to rigorously review and analyze supplier simulation and verification results for analog, digital hardware, and firmware.
• Actively participate in the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for Global Closure Modules.

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