Product Development Engineer- Accessories Design & Release

Ford • Allen Park, MI

9d • $86,600 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Customization develops, engineers, releases, validates, and launches accessories for Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford Licensed Accessories works with suppliers and cross-functional Ford teams to develop these products. The Product Development Engineer leads assigned accessory programs from concept through production launch and serves as the primary engineering technical lead. The role works with suppliers and teams across program management, product planning, manufacturing, design, base vehicle engineering, quality, and purchasing to ensure products meet safety, regulatory, quality, functional, timing, and customer expectations.

The engineer evaluates product requirements against applicable Ford vehicle requirements, establishes acceptance criteria, provides technical direction, builds supplier relationships, and resolves engineering issues. The position also supports product planning and business cases, reviews supplier designs and validation plans, oversees testing and release documentation, assesses product fit and performance, and provides engineering support through launch and in-field issue resolution. The position is hybrid, with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Demonstrated experience in product development, engineering, design, and release.
• Strong understanding of product development processes, engineering principles, vehicle systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to lead engineering projects and coordinate multiple programs, suppliers, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound engineering judgment.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, CAD data, technical documentation, test results, and vehicle-level information.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with WERS.
• Experience with CAD systems.
• Experience with vehicle modification centers.
• Experience with supplier development.
• Experience with automotive accessory development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and prioritize engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch, including accessories installed at vehicle plants, modification centers, and dealer facilities.
• Lead new-product discussions, design and technical reviews, issue-resolution activities, and weekly engineering project/status meetings; communicate status, risks, actions, and timing to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Establish engineering priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables, including WERS releases, are completed on schedule.
• Provide technical guidance to new engineers and demonstrate the full range of PDE responsibilities.
• Follow engineering department processes and support continuous improvement through AI and new technologies.
• Partner with Program Managers and Product Planners to assess product opportunities, engineering assumptions, feasibility, and product-line planning.
• Support business case development and the CFT process with engineering assessments, technical data, cost considerations, timing, and feasibility input.
• Review supplier CAD data, designs, engineering assumptions, packaging studies, environmental considerations, and validation plans.
• Provide CAD and technical information to suppliers for accessory development.
• Review Product Development Letters and base vehicle changes to identify model-year impacts on existing or future accessories.
• Work with Base Vehicle Design and Release Engineers to understand vehicle changes and ensure accessory compatibility.
• Develop accessory designs with suppliers; validate engineering data, resolve technical issues, and confirm products meet established requirements.
• Ensure designs address applicable safety, regulatory, functional, quality, durability, EMC, and vehicle integration requirements.
• Establish and maintain supplier relationships, provide engineering direction and expectations, and ensure alignment with ESOW requirements.
• Monitor supplier engineering performance and ensure deliverables meet program timing and quality expectations.
• Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance; provide analytical feedback from vehicle fit-ups, plant and modification-center evaluations, and field/dealer activities; issue product evaluation and installation reports.
• Support prototype and production fit-ups by coordinating vehicles, parts, work orders, and engineering activities.
• Coordinate vehicle-level testing and validation with suppliers and Ford organizations; review and approve release documentation and validation evidence, including required approvals and engineering sign-offs.
• Review, validate, and approve accessory installation instructions and related customer/service documentation.
• Ensure accessories are validated for each applicable model year and incorporate vehicle changes into development and release activities.
• Review warranty data and field information to identify trends and improvement opportunities; lead technical investigations and corrective actions for engineering, quality, fit, function, and launch issues.
• Maintain engineering records and documentation throughout product development.
• Coordinate modification-center trials and evaluate installation processes to identify and resolve launch concerns.
• Support launch events and provide timely engineering direction for issues at plants, modification centers, dealers, or in the field.
• Represent Engineering in cross-functional and supplier meetings with technical recommendations and decisions.
• Participate in program and engineering forums, including Program assumption, Program weekly PAT, CFT, change-control, program and plant launch meetings, AIMS, and weekly Engineering staff and design review meetings.
• Engage program leadership, including Directors, Chief Engineers, and Program Managers, on current and future products and technical concerns.
• Meet with customers, dealers, and suppliers to provide technical support on accessory use, operation, installation, and maintenance.

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