Product Development Engineer – Interior/Exterior Hardware Integration

Ford Motor Company

. Serve as the primary point of contact between program teams and functional engineering .

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

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in systems integration, project management, and engineering processes within the automotive industry, with a focus on delivering high-quality solutions and managing cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in managing engineering documentation, change control, and compliance to meet program milestones and targets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems Integration SupportProject ManagementEngineering Change ControlCross-Functional CollaborationAutomotive Engineering Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Engineering DegreeDesign and Release EngineeringGPDS Process KnowledgeCost Setting ProcessDFMEACAD-to-BOM AlignmentQuality AuditsChange Control ManagementVehicle Component KnowledgePrototype Builds

Soft Skills

Outstanding Communication SkillsLeadership SkillsOrganizational SkillsDelegation SkillsRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

SharePointEngineering Documentation ToolsMeeting Management Tools

Industry Keywords

Automotive InteriorsAutomotive ExteriorsFunctional EngineeringProgram MilestonesCross-Functional Teams

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary point of contact between program teams and functional engineering
Provide systems integration support within functional departments
Align priorities between functional departments and program teams
Coordinate functional team actions to achieve program milestones
Drive delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions within program timelines
Manage processes, metrics, and deliverables to meet program targets
Support functional alignment with program assumptions and engineering design reviews
Establish VHE integration meeting cadence, manage agendas and SharePoint schedules, and chair discussions
Document and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, open issue lists, and program updates
Coach Function Engineers on systems, tools, forms, and templates
Manage commodity planning, complexity status, and part-level cost targets
Support sourcing and commodity planning through supplier target sign-off
Develop FMA planning and manage quality deliverables including RCL, DFMEA, and SCCAF
Support engineering milestone reviews and manage deliverable assessments and recovery plans
Manage CAD-to-BOM alignment, packaging, DPA workstreams, and engineering documentation
Manage design verification planning, compliance, CDR documentation, and deviations
Manage engineering change control, P-Release, WERS concerns, CR authorization, and Notice release
Lead root-cause issue resolution and cross-functional problem-solving
Support prototype builds, part pedigree, procurement of bridging parts, and vehicle sign-off
Manage launch metrics including change control, BOM and part sign-off, AIMS, and OSM campaigns
Support PPAP targets, on-site production plant builds, quality audits, TVM implementation, and PVT handoff

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering
10+ years of experience in automotive Interiors preferred, with similar Exteriors experience considered
Comprehensive knowledge of vehicle components and system functions
Master’s degree in engineering preferred
Design and Release Engineering or Vehicle Engineering experience preferred
Strong fundamentals and working knowledge of GPDS engineering milestones and GPDS process
Experience in the Cost Setting Process and Functional Led Cost/Appearance Delivery Process is a benefit
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Outstanding leadership skills with demonstrated ability to deliver results
Demonstrated organizational and delegation skills with proper follow-up
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently
Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload while managing immediate and future needs
Ability to build strong effective relationships with cross-functional teams
Onsite collaboration expected for at least 4 days per week
Must be 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
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