Design and Release Engineer – Steering Systems

Ford Motor Company

. Manage steering component suppliers, including technical development and RFQ support .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing steering component suppliers and technical development, with a strong focus on CAD modeling, DFMEA, and systems engineering. Proficient in delivering program targets while ensuring compliance with engineering standards and quality requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

BSME Or BSEE DegreeAutomotive Steering Systems ExperienceCAD ExperienceFailure Mode Avoidance (FMA)Supplier Management / RFQ Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

2D And 3D CAD ModelingDFMEAFUSAStatistical Data AnalysisGD&TAdvanced Problem-SolvingDesign & Release EngineeringDimensional Stack-Up AnalysisSystems EngineeringFailure Mode Avoidance

Soft Skills

Good Written And Oral Communication SkillsStrong TeamworkAbility To Work Independently

Tools & Technologies

CATIAMinitabWERSFEDETeamcenter

Industry Keywords

Automotive EngineeringChassis ComponentsSafety-Critical ComponentsAPQPPFMEASCCAFControl Plans

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage steering component suppliers, including technical development and RFQ support
Review, release, and maintain 2D and 3D CAD models and Engineering Specifications
Develop and maintain foundational standards and processes, including DFMEA/FUSA, SDS Requirements, Functional Specifications, Design Rules, Interface Drawings, Test Methods, SCAFF, and SCCP
Review and sign off on supplier test reports and validation data
Deliver program timing, cost, weight, and quality targets
Develop Failure Mode Avoidance and Reliability documentation
Design, develop, and package Upper Steering systems and components
Support the Upper Steering Commodity Business Plan and new supplier/technology development
Resolve design, packaging, and quality issues and support Prevent Recurrence activities
Participate in Technical Design Reviews and ensure sign-off against requirements and design rules with disciplined DVP&Rs
Prepare and present project and technical milestone status reports
Develop and analyze complex dimensional stack-ups
Support vehicle CAE, NVH, Dynamics, and Safety teams
Perform vehicle build sign-offs and support vehicle launches and issue resolution
Support Ford and supplier plant reviews, including APQP, PFMEA, SCCAF, and Control Plans
Work with the Plant Vehicle Team, Supplier Technical Assistance, and suppliers to track and improve warranty performance
Identify and implement cost-saving ideas
Travel domestically and internationally to supplier and Ford manufacturing sites as needed, approximately 1–2 times per year per site

Requirements

What you’ll need

BSME, BSEE, or similar engineering degree from an accredited institution
2 years of automotive steering systems experience
1 year of CAD experience
Prior experience as a Design & Release Engineer and/or core/foundation engineering experience
Prior experience with chassis, steering, or other safety-critical components
Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA), DFMEA, and FUSA
Systems Engineering exposure, including SySML/MBSE, SDS Requirements, and Functional Specifications
Statistical Data Analysis / Minitab
GD&T and reading prints
Working knowledge of Ford engineering tools: WERS, FEDE, and Teamcenter
Advanced problem-solving skills using 8D, 5 Whys, DOE, and Is/Is Not tools
CAD, including CATIA
Supplier management / RFQ experience
Good written and oral communication skills
Strong teamwork and ability to work independently
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
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
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time