Accessory Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company

. Design and develop vehicle accessories using CAD and other engineering tools .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeLong Beach • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $118,700 - $232,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in vehicle accessory design and development using CAD tools, with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and materials processes. Proven ability to collaborate across teams and manage the product development lifecycle from concept to production while ensuring quality and adherence to timelines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

B.S. In Mechanical EngineeringCAD Experience (3DX, Catia, NX, ICEMSURF, Alias)Vehicle Development And Launch ExperienceUnderstanding Of Materials And Manufacturing ProcessesExperience With Automotive Class A Surface Development

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Vehicle Accessory DesignPrototypingFeasibility StudiesGD&TCraftsmanshipCMFExterior And Interior Systems DesignSupplier ManagementProduction Processes OptimizationHands-On Product Launch Experience

Soft Skills

CollaborationProblem-SolvingTechnical TroubleshootingCommunication

Industry Keywords

Automotive EngineeringProduction Vehicle DevelopmentLegislative RequirementsManufacturing FeasibilityVehicle Layout/Package

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and develop vehicle accessories using CAD and other engineering tools
Develop new design concepts with studio designers
Collaborate with vehicle engineering and cross-functional teams on technical, feasibility, and cost trade-off studies
Conduct feasibility studies, prototyping, and testing to ensure product performance and durability
Define accessory roadmaps using build-to-print and supplier co-development approaches
Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to select materials and optimize production processes
Support the product development lifecycle from concept through production
Ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development, manufacturing, launch, and service phases
Monitor industry trends, technologies, and materials to drive innovation
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams on manufacturing, assembly feasibility, and serviceability
Support vehicle development milestones and prototype/production build events

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
2+ years of experience working on production vehicle development and launch
4+ years of experience utilizing CAD collaboratively, including 3DX, Catia, NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias; 3DX and CATIA preferred
4+ years of experience in exterior, interior systems, or accessory design, development, release, and supplier management
Proven development and launch experience for vehicle systems and accessories, such as roof applications, bed applications, or trailer hitch applications
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals
Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, including stamping, injection molding, casting, composites, paint, and surface finishes
Strong understanding of design and engineering differences based on production volume and functional and cosmetic features
Familiarity with legislative requirements affecting design feasibility
Understanding of GD&T, craftsmanship, and CMF
Experience with automotive Class A surface feasibility assessment and development
Experience with vehicle layout/package, including body structures, exteriors, closures, and glazing
Hands-on experience building and launching automotive products
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Verification of employment eligibility required at hire

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
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
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous vacation time
Sick/personal time
Paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
Visa sponsorship available