Product Development Engineer- Design & Release

Ford Customization (FC) develops, engineers, releases, validates, and launches a broad portfolio of accessories that complement Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

The Product Development Engineer (PDE) leads assigned programs from initial concept through production launch and serves as the primary engineering technical lead.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Establish engineering priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Provide technical guidance to new engineers and demonstrate PDE responsibilities.
• Partner with Program Managers and Product Planners to assess new product opportunities and feasibility.
• Review supplier CAD data, designs, and validation plans.
• Develop accessory designs directly with suppliers and validate engineering data.
• Ensure designs address safety, regulatory, functional, quality, and durability requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships and monitor engineering performance.
• Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance.
• Support prototype and production fit-ups and coordinate vehicle-level testing and validation.
• Review warranty data and field information to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

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
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, 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
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time