Test Vehicle Program Engineer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

5d • $86,600 - $144,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Test Fleet Engineer supports vehicle test programs through fleet lifecycle management, vehicle readiness, technical analysis, and financial oversight. The Test Fleet Engineer is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of vehicle test fleet activities. This role works closely with engineering, test, finance, and operational stakeholders to understand program needs, maintain vehicle availability and readiness, support technical issue resolution, and provide effective management of fleet-related assets and resources.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 5+ years experience supporting vehicle testing, fleet operations, vehicle programs, or automotive engineering activities.
• 5+ years Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
• 5+ years Familiarity with vehicle systems, diagnostic tools, data acquisition, and CAN data/log analysis preferred.
• 5+ years Experience with budgeting, cost tracking, financial reporting, or asset management preferred.
• 5+ years Ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into coordinated vehicle support activities.
• 5+ years Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, test, finance, and operational teams.
• 5+ years Proficiency with common business applications, data analysis tools, and reporting systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fleet management systems or asset tracking software (e.g., Fleetio, Samsara, or similar platforms)
• Familiarity with vehicle test program lifecycles, including prototype, development, durability, or certification testing phases
• Experience with vehicle diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanners, ETAS, Vector CANoe/CANalyzer) for CAN data acquisition and log analysis
• Prior experience supporting automotive OEM or supplier test fleet operations
• Working knowledge of DOT, FMVSS, or other regulatory/compliance requirements affecting test vehicle operations
• Experience with financial/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for budget tracking, forecasting, and expense reporting
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools for building fleet performance dashboards and metrics reporting
• Experience coordinating with external vendors, logistics providers, or transportation partners to support fleet movement and readiness
• Master's degree in Engineering, Automotive Technology, or a related technical field
• Six Sigma, Lean, or other process improvement certification
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple concurrent vehicle programs
• Experience with vehicle configuration management and change control processes

Responsibilities

• Support management of vehicle fleet assets throughout their lifecycle, including availability, readiness, utilization, and record accuracy.
• Partner with engineering and test teams to collect vehicle requirements, align priorities, and support fulfillment of vehicle requests.
• Coordinate activities required to maintain vehicles in appropriate condition and configuration for program and test needs.
• Conduct technical investigations and root cause analysis to help identify, document, and resolve vehicle or operational issues.
• Support vehicle testing and analysis activities, including review of vehicle data and CAN logs, as applicable.
• Manage fleet-related financial activities, including budget planning, expense tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve utilization, reduce waste, manage cost, and strengthen operational processes.
• Develop and maintain reports, metrics, and documentation related to fleet performance, vehicle status, financial performance, and program support.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support timely, compliant, and cost-effective fleet operations.
• Contribute to vehicle, system, and software validation activities, including test execution, issue investigation, and results analysis, as needed to support program objectives.

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