Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

6h • $72,480 - $162,120 • Onsite

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? 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... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to lead the development of High-Pressure Air Induction System (HP AIS) components. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of these critical powertrain components, from initial concept and pre-program assumptions through to final production sign-off. As the CPMT Lead for upcoming vehicle programs, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our 2027–2031 Model Year (MY) offerings meet rigorous performance, quality, and durability standards.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience: 3+ years of proven experience in the Design & Release (D&R) of automotive components, preferably within powertrain or air induction systems.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with CAD tools and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings. Strong understanding of CAE results and how they influence design iterations. Experience managing DV/PV testing protocols and data analysis.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams (such as CPMT) and manage complex supplier relationships.
• Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with EPD, suppliers, and senior management.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Ford-specific release systems and processes (e.g., WERS, GPDS).
• Deep knowledge of turbocharging systems or high-pressure airflow dynamics.
• Project management certification or equivalent experience managing multi-year vehicle programs.

Responsibilities

• Design & Release Leadership: Lead the Design & Release (D&R) process for HP AIS components, ensuring all designs meet functional, cost, and weight requirements.
• CPMT Lead: Act as the Component Parts Management Team (CPMT) Lead for 27-31MY Programs, coordinating cross-functional efforts to ensure program milestones are met on schedule.
• Supplier Management: Serve as the primary technical interface with external suppliers, directing design changes, managing timelines, and ensuring manufacturing feasibility.
• Technical Analysis: Review and interpret CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) studies of new designs to optimize performance and identify potential failure modes before physical prototyping.
• Validation & Testing: Orchestrate Design Verification (DV) testing, perform detailed post-test analysis, and manage the formal sign-off (s/o) process to ensure component integrity.
• Target Setting: Interface closely with Engine Product Development (EPD) to establish the Engine Target Book and define Critical Parameters for the air induction system.
• Strategic Planning : Participate in 31MY Pre-Program Assumptions, providing technical expertise to shape the requirements and architecture of future engine programs.
• Special Projects: Support and lead other special projects as assigned by leadership to drive continuous improvement in powertrain engineering.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare 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