Product Development Engineer – Pre-Program Strategy and Implementation

Ford Motor Company

. Lead and manage new powertrain projects, including ICE transmissions, power split transmissions, and power units .

Posted 10/10/2026full-timeLivonia • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading powertrain projects, including ICE transmissions and power units, while effectively managing program execution, cost targets, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in developing strategies for manufacturing processes and optimizing component designs for quality, cost, and function.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Powertrain Project ManagementCost Studies DevelopmentFormal Systems Engineering KnowledgeTransmission Development ExperienceBOM Structure Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Powertrain DevelopmentProgram ManagementCost Comparison AnalysisQuality/Cost/Weight/Function/Timing AttributesManufacturing Process ImprovementComponent Design OptimizationGPDS Program NavigationCost Target EstablishmentAdvanced Propulsion SolutionsPowertrain Planning

Soft Skills

Cross-Functional CollaborationProcess Improvement Implementation

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office Tools

Industry Keywords

ICE TransmissionsPower Split TransmissionsPower UnitsManufacturing FootprintFull-Service Suppliers

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage new powertrain projects, including ICE transmissions, power split transmissions, and power units
Launch new powertrain architectures through the unit approval process and garner investment approvals
Develop strategies for complexity versus carryover content and internally built versus full-service-supplier units
Identify and implement process improvements to improve program execution, quality, and speed
Conduct upfront manufacturing studies and make/buy business cases
Coordinate with manufacturing plants to align content with manufacturing footprint allocations
Establish cost targets aligned with program targets
Work with purchasing and suppliers on component designs optimized for cost, weight, and function
Navigate GPDS program gateways and deliverables, including design, sourcing, and prototype
Interface with cross-functional project teams
Estimate and review cost and timing for externally purchased versus internally built units
Maintain milestone deliverables and support engineering change control and global coordination
Monitor program deliverables and issues through closure, including plant-floor activity
Update program review decks, cost-tracking documents, and program checkbooks
Drive advanced propulsion solutions, track trends, and contribute to technology roadmaps

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering or a related field
3+ years of transmission or power unit development experience
2+ years of program management experience
Experience developing cost studies and cost comparisons between multiple powertrain designs
Proven delivery of balanced Quality/Cost/Weight/Function/Timing attributes for components or subsystems
Formal Systems Engineering knowledge
Experience with BOM structure development
Experience working with full-service suppliers
Experience working with powertrain manufacturing on early development
Experience working with powertrain planning
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Tools
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
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