Product Development Engineer – Quality - Powertrain Systems & Issue Resolution

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $86,600 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford is seeking a resolution-focused Quality Engineer to lead the rapid elimination of powertrain controls and calibration-related technical issues. The engineer will own concerns from initial field detection through implementation and verification of fixes, acting as a primary connection between Quality, Product Development, Calibration, Service, Engineering, and Manufacturing. The role covers powertrain systems including internal combustion engines, electrified vehicles, transmissions, and driveline systems, as well as diagnostics.

The position leads cross-functional task forces to investigate complex technical challenges and drive corrective actions through to production and the field. It supports customer satisfaction by ensuring issues are contained, resolved, and prevented from recurring in future programs. Responsibilities also include launch-critical quality support, service documentation, and tracking the effectiveness of fixes.

The position is posted under the IPTSE - ICE Propulsion Thermal Systems Engineering group and will transfer after onboarding to the VPSE - Vehicle Propulsion Systems Engineering group. It is hybrid; candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location may be required to work onsite four or more days per week. The salary range is $86,600–$166,200, with final salary grade and base salary determined by skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or equivalent) or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in powertrain calibration and emissions validation.
• At least 3 years of experience in an automotive engineering role focused on technical problem-solving, such as Quality, Systems Engineering, or Calibration.
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis investigations using structured methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, or Red X.
• Ability to drive results in a matrixed environment and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Working knowledge of powertrain calibration delivery, vehicle-level data acquisition, or diagnostic monitor functionality.
• Ability to use CAD to support quality investigations and issue resolution.
• Experience with Six Sigma resolution techniques such as DMAIC.
• Valid driver’s license to support vehicle-level data collection or testing as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Track record of significantly reducing time-to-fix metrics for complex technical issues.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience leading Tiger Teams or using project management tools such as Jira or ADO to track issue resolution progress.
• Proficiency with vehicle networking tools such as CANalyzer, INCA, or PUMA and enterprise quality management systems.
• Understanding of global emissions and On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulatory requirements.
• Ability to translate complex technical failures into clear, actionable executive summaries for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the lifecycle of top powertrain controls and calibration concerns, from initial field detection to verified implementation of the fix.
• Orchestrate cross-functional task forces and rapid-response teams to identify root causes and execute corrective actions for hardware, software, or calibration concerns.
• Influence engineering and calibration priorities by presenting data-backed technical business cases for immediate resolution action.
• Manage the rollout of software updates and service calibrations, aligning Service, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to meet resolution timelines.
• Track post-implementation field performance to verify that fixes resolve customer concerns without introducing secondary failure modes.
• Lead development of Technical Service Bulletins and service instructions for dealership and field technicians.
• Document lessons learned and technical data so failure modes inform future design rules and best-practice calibration sets.
• Drive timely resolution of launch-critical quality issues involving system functionality or diagnostic calibrations at the assembly plant.
• Use CAD to support quality investigations and issue resolution.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• 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.
• 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