Product Development Engineer – Thermal Systems Applications

Ford Motor Company

Product Development Engineer focusing on hardware development of thermal systems for Ford vehicles. Collaborating within cross-functional teams to enhance vehicle thermal efficiency.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $74,300 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Design and Release of Thermal Systems hardware (PT Cooling & Climate) that meet or exceed Quality, Cost, Weight, and Functional (QCWF) requirements
Develop robust commodity workplans to support program timing and deliverables as per Global Product Development Systems (GPDS) disciplines.
Coordinate with interfacing activities such as Systems Engineering Team (SET) / Program Attribute Team (PAT), Purchasing, Engine, Vehicle Engineering, NVH, Heat Management Group, Calibration, Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) and Body Engineering to drive compatible/optimal designs that meet QCWF targets.
Good working knowledge of key PT Cooling components- Radiators, Cooling Fans, Cooling Hoses, Engine & Transmission Oil Coolers and or Climate components: A/C Compressor, A/C lines, Evap and Blower Assembly, Condenser and Coolant Heater.
Lead and manage all DV testing.
Lead or Support System testing (Cooling Systems, Refrigerant Systems).
Manage design development through leadership of program meetings, design reviews, drive for commonization, meeting GPDS milestones and management of supplier(s).
Document design, development and signoffs in evidence books and complete all required GPDS documentation.
Manage Advanced Product Quality Plan (APQP) / Part Submission Warrant (PSW) process to achieve a flawless launch.
Lead issue resolution during launch. This includes providing onsite support for launches on as needed basis and supporting all launch meeting cadences. This includes coordinating meetings and Design & Release of key changes between the onsite launch teams, suppliers and lead engineering activities.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related degree
4+ years of experience with Thermal Hardware (PT Cooling & Climate) or thermal development
The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
Prior Design & Release experience or working knowledge of D&R processes is preferred.
Working knowledge of powertrain or climate systems is preferred.
Proficiency in DFMEA, PFMEA, GDT, WERS, GPDS, AIMS, G8D, Digital Buck/ CATIA, FEDE, APQP/ PSW processes.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams of engineers, designers and suppliers.
Demonstrate delivery of results.
Ability to balance objectives and resolve conflicts.
Good project management skills.
Knowledge of MS Office Tools.
Strong problem-solving skills – Global 8D, Six Sigma process and tools.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

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

Thermal HardwareCADBOM structuresDFMEAPFMEAGDTWERSGPDSAIMSAPQP

Soft Skills

leadershipproject managementproblem-solvingcommunicationconflict resolutionteam managementdelivery of resultsbalancing objectives