Product Development Engineer – Advanced Steering Systems Mechatronics

Ford Motor Company

. Develop and validate advanced steering systems, including electric power steering and Steer-by-Wire, from concept through production .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and validating advanced steering systems, including electric power steering and Steer-by-Wire, while applying systems engineering and Functional Safety principles. Proficient in test automation, HiL testing, and integration of electrical and mechanical systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Steering Systems EngineeringTest Automation Using PythonHiL Testing and IntegrationFunctional Safety ISO 26262Electrical and Mechanical Integration

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Programming in PythonEmbedded Control SystemsTest AutomationElectrical Schematic DesignMechanical Fixture DesignFailure-Mode AnalysisAutomated Test Cases3D ModelingRequirements-Driven DevelopmentLaboratory Debugging

Soft Skills

Collaboration with Cross-Functional TeamsSupplier CoordinationTechnical Design Reviews

Tools & Technologies

Vector CANoeDSPACEMATLAB/SimulinkNI VeriStandGitHubJenkinsOscilloscopesMultimetersPower SuppliesNetwork-Analysis Tools

Industry Keywords

HiL PlatformsAutomotive NetworksElectromechanical SystemsFMEAHARAContinuous IntegrationVersion ControlBOM DevelopmentVehicle Launch ExperienceFord Engineering Processes

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JenkinsPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and validate advanced steering systems, including electric power steering and Steer-by-Wire, from concept through production
Define system requirements, verification methods, test plans, and automated test cases for functional, performance, safety, and regression testing
Design, build, integrate, and maintain HiL benches, test fixtures, wire harnesses, circuits, and supporting lab infrastructure
Execute system and subsystem testing, fault insertion, troubleshooting, and failure analysis across hardware, software, controls, and vehicle interfaces
Develop test automation and analysis tools using programming, simulation, and automotive network toolchains
Apply systems engineering, Functional Safety, and failure-mode-avoidance principles to requirements, design, and validation
Support bench commissioning, electrical and mechanical integration, supplier technical reviews, equipment procurement, and lab-capacity improvements
Create and maintain engineering documentation, including schematics, fixture designs, bills of materials, interface definitions, test procedures, and reports
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers to resolve technical issues and meet program deliverables
Contribute technical depth in one or more disciplines while developing broader capability across mechatronics and HiL engineering

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science or similar
3+ years engineering experience in steering systems engineering, embedded-system testing or test automation, HiL/lab automation/test-system integration, electrical systems/harnesses/circuits/automotive networks, or mechanical design/fixtures/electromechanical integration
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Verification of employment eligibility required at hire
Experience with automotive steering, embedded control systems, electrification, robotics, or other mechatronic systems preferred
Experience with HiL platforms and test toolchains such as Vector CANoe, vTESTstudio, VT System, dSPACE, Speedgoat, or NI VeriStand preferred
Programming or test automation using Python, C, CAPL, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools preferred
Knowledge of CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, SENT, or related protocols preferred
Requirements-driven development, systems engineering, MBSE, or V-model practices preferred
Functional Safety, ISO 26262, FMEA, HARA, fault insertion, or failure-mode analysis preferred
Electrical schematic, wire-harness, PCB, signal-conditioning, power-distribution, or I/O design preferred
Mechanical fixture design, 3D modeling, tolerancing, prototyping, BOM development, or manufacturing support preferred
Laboratory debugging using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, network-analysis tools, or similar equipment preferred
Continuous integration, version control, automated reporting, GitHub, or Jenkins preferred
Supplier coordination, technical design reviews, equipment procurement, facility planning, or vehicle launch experience preferred
Steering-system development and Ford engineering processes or tools preferred
Experience developing, executing, and troubleshooting electromechanical systems test plans on HiL test benches and vehicles preferred
MS degree in a relevant engineering or computer science discipline preferred
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
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
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 schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time