Product Development Engineer – Design & Release

Ford Motor Company

. Lead and prioritize engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeAllen Park • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $86,600 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading engineering projects from concept to production, with a strong focus on product development processes, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in interpreting engineering requirements and managing supplier relationships to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Product DevelopmentEngineering Project LeadershipTechnical Problem-SolvingCAD Data InterpretationSupplier Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Engineering PrinciplesProduct Development ProcessesDesign and ReleaseTechnical DocumentationAnalytical SkillsVehicle Systems KnowledgeManufacturing ProcessesAccessory DevelopmentValidation PlansSafety and Regulatory Compliance

Soft Skills

Cross-Functional CollaborationIndependent WorkCommunication SkillsLeadership

Tools & Technologies

WERSCAD SystemsVehicle Modification Centers

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Industry Keywords

AutomotiveEngineering DocumentationSupplier RelationshipsPrototype TestingProduct Evaluation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and prioritize engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch
Lead new-product discussions, design and technical reviews, issue-resolution activities, and weekly engineering project/status meetings
Communicate status, risks, actions, and timing to leadership and cross-functional teams
Establish engineering priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables, including WERS releases, are completed on schedule
Provide technical guidance to new engineers
Support continuous improvement through AI and new technologies
Assess new product opportunities, engineering assumptions, and feasibility with Program Managers and Product Planners
Support business case development and the CFT process with engineering assessments, technical data, cost considerations, timing, and feasibility input
Review supplier CAD data, designs, engineering assumptions, packaging studies, environmental considerations, and validation plans
Develop accessory designs with suppliers, validate engineering data, resolve technical issues, and confirm requirements are met
Ensure designs address safety, regulatory, functional, quality, durability, EMC, and vehicle integration requirements
Establish supplier relationships, provide engineering direction, and monitor supplier engineering performance
Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance; issue product evaluation and installation reports
Coordinate prototype and production fit-ups, vehicle-level testing, and validation
Review and approve engineering documentation, validation evidence, installation instructions, and customer/service documentation
Review warranty and field information, lead technical investigations and corrective actions
Maintain engineering records and documentation throughout the product development cycle
Coordinate modification-center trials and support launch events
Represent Engineering in cross-functional and supplier meetings
Participate in program, engineering, change-control, and launch forums
Engage program leadership on current and future products and technical concerns
Provide technical support to customers, dealers, and suppliers on accessory use, operation, installation, and maintenance

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university
Demonstrated experience in product development, engineering, design and release
Strong understanding of product development processes, engineering principles, vehicle systems, and manufacturing processes
Ability to lead engineering projects and coordinate multiple programs, suppliers, and deliverables simultaneously
Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills with sound engineering judgment
Ability to interpret engineering requirements, CAD data, technical documentation, test results, and vehicle-level information
Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a cross-functional team environment
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
Preferred: experience with WERS, CAD systems, vehicle modification centers, supplier development, or automotive accessory development

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
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