Design Engineer – Release

Ford Motor Company

Core Antenna D&R Engineer at Ford transforming connected vehicle features through robust communication systems. Collaborating on RF simulation and design for autonomous vehicles in automotive industry.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $99,600 - $166,600 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design & Simulation: Utilize electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST) to predict antenna performance, gain, and radiation patterns based on vehicle placement (e.g., roof, glass, or body panels).
Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with Styling/Studio to ensure antennas meet aesthetic requirements and with Body/Trim teams to manage physical packaging and cabling.
Supplier Management: Lead Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers through the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process, ensuring they meet Ford’s technical specifications, cost targets, and delivery timelines. Chair Program Attribute Team (PAT) meetings to track product development activities.
Validation & Testing: Oversee Over-the-Air (OTA) testing in anechoic chambers and field testing to verify performance against requirements like Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) and Total Radiated Power (TRP).
Release Management: Manage the formal release of components into Ford systems (such as WERS), including the creation of Engineering Specifications (ES), Statements of Work (SOW), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Quality History, etc.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer or Mechanical Engineering.
3+ years of experience with electrical component design and development process in the automotive industry.
Strong interpersonal/team participation skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Experience and understanding of AM/FM/DAB, Satellite Radio, Cellular, GNSS and C-V2X reception theory. (even better)
2+ years of experience with Radio Frequency (RF) receiver/tuner or antenna system designs. (even better)
Packaging knowledge of automotive antenna systems. (even better)
Experience working with Tier 1 supplier to develop components for automotive applications. (even better)

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.

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Hard Skills & Tools

electromagnetic simulation toolsHFSSCSTelectrical component designRadio Frequency (RF) receivertuner designantenna system designTotal Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS)Total Radiated Power (TRP)Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillsteam participationanalytical skills