Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Product Development Engineer developing differential components and assemblies for Ford's powertrain. Leading design and release activities to create innovative automotive solutions.

Posted 5/16/2026full-timeLivonia • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $65,100 - $144,900 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop differential components and assemblies in conjunction with powertrain systems teams, manufacturing teams, and global suppliers.
Deliver product designs on time to support vehicle program milestones and launch.
Lead component design, analysis, failure mode avoidance (FMA), and test validation.
Manage prototype and production build delivery and quality.
Lead transmission & axle design and release activities for current production and future applications.
Develop components to meet powertrain and vehicle attributes including strength, durability, and NVH.
Lead Ford internal and external supplier CPMT (Component Product Management Team) for your components.
Interface with systems engineering team, Ford manufacturing plants, and component suppliers to meet program objectives for quality, cost, weight, durability, and NVH.
Lead “Team of 4” cross functional meetings between PD, Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to deliver components to program target costs.
Interface with CAD/CAE team to deliver optimized designs and identify manufacturing feasibility.
Create and maintain FMA documents e.g. DFMEA, DVP&R, P-Diagram, Boundary Diagram.
Deliver Final Engineering Sign-off and production launch at Ford powertrain assembly plants.
Manage supplier delivery and Ford milestones through Job1. Complete PPAP and production implementation on new programs or changes to existing parts.
Analyze warranty/test hardware to identify root cause of failure and define corrective actions using 8D tools/methods.
Benchmark, identify and implement current model quality and cost reduction actions.
Occasional travel to suppliers or assembly plants may be required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline
1 year experience in Microsoft Office
1 year of CAD experience
Masters in product development or other engineering discipline (preferred)
Industry experience with differential components and assemblies, including disconnects and eLocker technologies (preferred)
Strong knowledge of machining best practices and GD&T (preferred)
Working knowledge of CAD and CAE (Catia, 3DX, TeamCenter) (preferred)
Applying 8D, fish-bone, and DOE problem solving methodology (preferred)
Strong foundation in FMA processes and documentation (preferred)
Reviewing CAE models and CAD drawings (preferred)
Experience with DVP&R and signing-off on DV tests (preferred)
Ability to work independently and demonstrated track record of delivering results in a dynamic technical environment (preferred)
Strong communication skills with ability to present information in concise manner (preferred)
Ability to balance both a technical and a program management mindset (preferred)
Capability of managing multiple projects at a time (preferred)
Strong leadership, project, and team building skills – ability to lead teams and drive projects by working effectively with others with a demonstrated ability to work cross-departmentally (preferred)
Strong collaborator – willingness to share ideas, documentation, and best practices (preferred).

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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Hard Skills & Tools

differential componentsassembliescomponent designfailure mode avoidancetest validationpowertrain attributesmachining best practicesGD&T8D problem solvingDVP&R

Soft Skills

strong communication skillsability to work independentlyproject management mindsetmanaging multiple projectsleadership skillsteam building skillscollaborationdynamic technical environmentcross-departmental teamworkpresenting information concisely

Certifications

Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineeringMasters in product development