Product Development Engineer – Latching Mechanisms

Ford Motor Company

Design and release engineer for automotive latching mechanisms at Ford. Leading suppliers and managing design requirements and quality in vehicle closures.

Posted 4/22/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $74,300 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage and lead the HLM suppliers to comply with program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets.
Understand GPDS (Global Product Development System) and create plans to deliver on time.
Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces of the HLM components are evaluated and validated.
Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
Perform and/or review & sign off technical analyses of component/system functional and packaging studies such as: dimensional stackups (GD&T layouts), CAE’s, dynamic calculations and simulations, etc.
Actively participate in the Technical Design Reviews.
Release and update parts in FEDEBOM and WERS through the product life cycle.
Review and sign-off CAD in Teamcenter
Compile, document, sign-off, and present evidence of compliance to all applicable design rules and requirements.
Develop HLM System documents including DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, & DVP&Rs
Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
Develop ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work), EC (Engineering concepts) and participate in the Sourcing Process (SOBA, ED&T review, piece cost and tooling cost review.
Identify validation, durability and functional tests required as per SDS & ES. (DVP / FEDE)
Address issues with root cause analysis (8Ds, 3x5Why) and permanent corrective actions implementation.
Apply knowledge of six sigma principles.
Define and verify engineering prototypes requirements at part level.
Parts implementation/Sign-off at assembly plant & assistance with quality issues at all milestones.
Review impact of PDL revisions and proceed accordingly if affected.
Collaborate with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement Process.
Deliver by applying the One Ford Behaviors.
Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required.
Travel to North America plants when required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.
2+ years of engineering experience in design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms. Can include experience from internships and coursework.
CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently
Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.
Ability to travel domestical and international.
Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, and Power Point.
Even better, if you have …
Experience in design and release of latching mechanisms, closure systems, or related mechanism applications.
Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills.
Experience with DFMEA's, PFMEA's, and SCCAF's
Knowledgeable in the Phased PPAP process
Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T
Ability to work in a fluid environment when overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location are not always known.
Ability to solve complex system issues and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as required.

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 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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

mechanical engineeringCADCAEDFMEAPFMEASCCAFGD&Tstatistical analysismechatronicsroot cause analysis

Soft Skills

initiativeprioritizationproblem-solvingcommunicationadaptabilitycollaborationleadershiptime managementefficiencyflexibility