Product Development Engineer

Ford • Livonia, MI

1d • $63,480 - $141,360 • 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...
Powertrain Architect Engineer defines, designs, and integrates vehicle propulsion systems (ICE, hybrid, EV), translating performance goals into component requirements, leading trade-off studies, collaborating cross-functionally (suppliers, vehicle teams), managing system architecture, and driving innovation for efficiency, performance, and cost, focusing heavily on electrification and advanced technologies. Will own the system's lifecycle from concept through release, ensuring seamless integration and adherence to vehicle targets.
The automotive industry is quickly moving towards a greater number of new powertrains to meet customer and market demands, many of which are new BEV and Hybrid programs. With this shift, there is an expanding need for development of new and unique powertrain architectures. Your work will span from the product concepts to full scale production, with an emphasis on quality, cost, weight, and functional performance.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering or a related field require
• 1 year experience in Microsoft skills
• 1 year of CAD experience
• System Engineering Methodologies
• Component Sizing & Selection (Motors, Batteries, Controllers, etc.)
• MATLAB/Simulink
• System-Level Trade-off Analysis

Nice To Haves

• Masters in product development or other Engineering degree preferred
• Tools: Proficiency in MBSE tools, CAD/CAE simulation environments, and data analysis platforms.
• Versed in UML and SysML modeling languages preferred
• Basic software writing in Python or Groovy preferred
• Model Based System Engineering development utilizing MagicDraw/3DX toolkit preferred
• Experienced in analyzing a descriptive model to assist in complex decision making preferred
• Prior experience in Components and Systems design and processes
• Proven delivery of balanced Quality/Cost/Weight/Function/Timing attributes for components or subsystems
• Clear communication skills and highly motivated to exceed expectations in a constantly changing product landscape
• Formal Systems Engineering knowledge to solve complex problems
• Systems Engineering: Expertise in systems engineering principles, including P-diagrams, DFMEA, and functional safety.
• Strong foundation in FMA processes and documentation
• Strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, electric motors, battery systems, and traditional ICE components.

Responsibilities

• System Definition & Requirements: Define overall powertrain architecture, power flow, efficiency, and key component requirements (battery, motor, controller, transmission).
• Performance & Integration: Lead system trade-off studies (cost, weight, function) and ensure seamless integration with vehicle systems.
• Technology & Innovation: Drive development of advanced propulsion solutions, stay updated on trends, and contribute to technology roadmaps.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, software, and supplier teams for robust execution.
• Modeling & Simulation: Use high-fidelity simulation tools to predict behavior and validate models.
• Testing & Validation: Plan and support system validation activities to meet targets and standards.
• Drive engineering excellence through Failure Mode Avoidance tools
• Documentation & Governance: Create system documentation (architecture diagrams, functional specs) and govern system-level requirements.
• Define upfront design, verification plans and methods, and industrialization processes for various underbody components
• Work with purchasing and suppliers to deliver high quality component designs with best cost, weight, and function
• Lead a team through GPDS program gateways and deliverables including design, sourcing, prototype
• Procurement, analytical/physical validation, and PPAP in support of multiple global programs concurrently

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