Product Development Engineer - Commercial Accessories (Design & Release)

Ford Customization (FC) develops, engineers, releases, validates, and launches a broad portfolio of accessories that complement Ford and Lincoln vehicles. As a Product Development Engineer (PDE), you will lead assigned programs from initial concept through production launch and serve as the primary engineering technical lead.

Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch, including commercial accessories.
• Lead new-product discussions, design and technical reviews, and weekly engineering status meetings.
• Establish priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Partner with Program Managers and Product Planners on new product opportunities, feasibility, and product-line planning.
• Develop designs directly with suppliers, provide CAD and technical data, review supplier CAD, designs, assumptions, packaging studies, environmental considerations, and validation plans.
• Ensure designs meet safety, regulatory, functional, quality, durability, EMC, and vehicle integration requirements.
• Build supplier relationships, provide clear engineering direction, and monitor supplier performance and deliverables.
• Review Product Development Letters (PDLs) and base vehicle changes with Base Vehicle Design and Release Engineers.
• Coordinate and lead vehicle-level testing and validation with suppliers and Ford organizations.
• Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance.
• Review, validate, and approve accessory installation instructions and customer/service documentation.
• Review warranty and field data to identify trends and recurring issues.
• Maintain engineering records and documentation throughout the product development cycle.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Benefits:

• 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 and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• 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.