Product Development Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

2d • $74,300 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

In this position, you will own the end-to-end development, integration, and lifecycle management of auto transmission shifter commodities (such as mechanical and/or shift-by-wire systems). The role serves as the central hub connecting hardware design, software integration, supplier management, and cross-functional teams (including HMI, Styling Studio, and Electrical Architecture) to deliver high-quality, safe, and tactilely refined shifting interfaces from initial concept through post-launch production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related).
• 2+ years of automotive engineering experience spanning early development through launch.
• General knowledge of vehicle systems, electronic/mechanical interfaces, and material properties/mass production processes.
• Practical experience with engineering tools (DFMEA, DVP&R, P-diagram) and the ability to interpret 2D/3D CAD drawings and schematics.
• Experience interpreting hardware/software specifications and managing supplier deliverables.
• Demonstrated analytical skills with structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8Ds, 5-Whys).
• Proficiency in program management and release systems (e.g., FEDE, JIRA, AIMS, WERS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptionally strong communication, organization, cross-functional collaboration, and program management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Deep understanding of the automotive PPAP process and manufacturing quality documentation (PFMEA, control plans, line flow charts).
• Experience with interior illumination, injection-molded components, and craftsmanship of interior automotive components/user interfaces.
• Hands-on component testing experience (bench, dyno, or vehicle) and familiarity with systems like TeamCenter, CATIA, and Global Integrator.
• Knowledge of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), automotive software implementation, and CAN messaging/data management.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with global, cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues.
• Working knowledge of commercially available AI tools and resources to drive engineering productivity.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design, packaging, integration, and release of electronic shift system commodities.
• Define appearance and functional requirements; manage design rules, system-level specifications, and dimensional stack-ups.
• Manage commodities pre- and post-launch to support ongoing quality, manufacturing feasibility, and Total Value Management (TVM) cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Partner with design teams to optimize component performance, reliability, and durability to meet key governmental safety requirements.
• Interface with vehicle-level electrical systems engineers to define system requirements, review schematics, and ensure compatibility between interfacing modules.
• Manage CAD data management interfaces, CAN messaging databases, and software interfaces between the vehicle and the device.
• Lead sound quality delivery and tactile craftsmanship for the user interface.
• Manage the supply base for automatic transmission user interfaces, interfacing with internal Supplier Quality Engineers to lead engagement and alignment meetings.
• Manage supplier- and vehicle-level testing for related software and hardware; interpret and manage DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, SCCAFs, and Control Plans.
• Collaborate globally with Design Studio, Human-Machine Interface (HMI)/Ergonomics, Manufacturing (VO), Feature Owners, and Electrical Architecture teams to deliver commodities on time, on target, and with best-in-class quality.
• Drive rapid issue resolution using tools like JIRA and AIMS, maintaining clear open issues lists to prioritize workflow.
• Support program milestones and physical builds with necessary hardware, software, change notices (WERS), and alerts.

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