Product Development Engineer – Transmission Systems

Ford Motor Company

. Lead cross-functional quality improvement, warranty reduction, and cost optimization initiatives for front-wheel-drive hybrid and automatic transmission systems .

Posted 9/29/2026full-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 quality improvement initiatives, warranty analysis, and cost optimization for automotive systems, with a strong foundation in systems engineering principles and structured problem-solving methodologies. Proficient in analyzing field performance data and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product reliability and customer satisfaction.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Quality Improvement InitiativesAutomotive Warranty AnalysisSystems Engineering PrinciplesProject Management SkillsData Analysis and Trend Identification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringSystems EngineeringAutomotive Systems EngineeringTransmission Systems8D Problem SolvingSix Sigma MethodologyData AnalysisField Performance AnalysisCost OptimizationRoot-Cause Investigation

Soft Skills

Strong Problem-Solving SkillsExcellent Communication SkillsPresentation SkillsAbility to Work in Ambiguous EnvironmentsCollaboration Skills

Tools & Technologies

Technical Reports8D Corrective Action ReportsManagement Summary Materials

Industry Keywords

Powertrain SystemsDriveline EngineeringField Repair FrequencyCustomer Quality ProcessesManufacturing OperationsSupplier QualityVehicle Launch Activities

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead cross-functional quality improvement, warranty reduction, and cost optimization initiatives for front-wheel-drive hybrid and automatic transmission systems
Analyze early-life and long-term field performance trends and develop quality improvement actions
Develop repair cost reduction strategies while maintaining customer satisfaction and product quality
Lead component and system cost optimization initiatives
Develop and implement initiatives to reduce field repair frequency and improve product reliability
Lead root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions to improve quality performance, reduce warranty spend, and lower product lifecycle costs
Identify emerging product concerns through data analysis, field investigations, and cross-functional collaboration
Develop business cases, risk assessments, and implementation plans for high-priority quality and cost initiatives
Provide warranty data analysis and field performance insights to product development, quality, and service engineering teams
Maintain technical reports, 8D corrective action reports, and management summary materials
Present project status, technical findings, and recommendations to engineering leadership and management teams
Collaborate with Product Development Engineering, Product Development Quality, Powertrain Assembly Plants, Vehicle Assembly Plants, and Service Engineering
Travel occasionally to manufacturing facilities, supplier locations, and vehicle assembly plants

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
4+ years of experience in transmission, driveline, powertrain, or automotive systems engineering
Strong understanding of systems engineering principles
Master’s degree in a related engineering discipline preferred
Experience with automotive warranty analysis, field data, or quality improvement initiatives preferred
Knowledge of transmission or electrified powertrain systems preferred
Experience leading structured problem-solving efforts such as 8D, Six Sigma, Shainin, or similar methodologies preferred
Familiarity with manufacturing, service engineering, or customer quality processes preferred
Experience with manufacturing, assembly plant operations, supplier quality, or vehicle launch activities preferred
Experience presenting technical findings to leadership and cross-functional teams preferred
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects from inception to completion preferred
Ability to lead and handle strategic and tactical assignments in a timely manner preferred
Experience analyzing large datasets and identifying trends from warranty, manufacturing, test, or field performance data preferred
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments and define solutions for new or emerging challenges
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
Ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences
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