Product Development Engineer – Steering

Ford Motor Company

Ford Product Development Engineer designing, validating, and launching steering systems and components. Managing suppliers, CAD releases, reliability, quality, and vehicle program targets.

Posted 9/3/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,100 - $166,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing steering component suppliers and technical development, with a strong focus on CAD modeling, engineering specifications, and failure mode avoidance. Proficient in utilizing engineering tools and methodologies to ensure quality, cost, and performance targets are met in automotive engineering projects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Engineering ExperienceCAD (CATIA)Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA)Supplier Management / RFQ ExperienceStatistical Data Analysis / Minitab

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

2D & 3D CAD ModelingDFMEAFUSAGD&TStatistical Data AnalysisAdvanced Problem-Solving SkillsDesign RulesDimensional Stack-UpsVehicle Build SignoffsSDS Requirements

Soft Skills

Good Written and Oral Communication SkillsStrong TeamworkAbility to Work Independently

Tools & Technologies

Ford Engineering Tools (WERS, FEDE, Teamcenter)PLM EcosystemVersion ControlChange Management

Certifications & Qualifications

BSMEBSEEMSMEMSEE

Industry Keywords

Steering SystemsChassisSafety-Critical ComponentsTechnical Design ReviewsAPQPPFMEASCAFFControl Plans

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage steering component suppliers, including technical development and RFQ support
Review, release and maintain 2D & 3D CAD models and program-specific Engineering Specifications
Support development and maintenance of foundational standards and processes, including DFMEA/FUSA, SDS Requirements, Functional Specifications, Design Rules, Interface Drawings, Test Methods, SCAFF/SCCP
Review and sign off on supplier test reports and validation data
Deliver program timing, cost, weight and quality targets
Develop Failure Mode Avoidance and Reliability documentation
Design, develop and package Upper Steering systems and components
Support execution of the Upper Steering Commodity Business Plan and new supplier/technology development
Resolve design, package, and quality issues; support Prevent Recurrence activities for FSA, Stop Ship, and High-Priority issues
Participate in Technical Design Reviews and ensure disciplined DVP&R sign-off against requirements and design rules
Prepare and present project/technical milestone status reports
Develop and analyze complex dimensional stack-ups
Support vehicle CAE, NVH, Dynamics and Safety teams
Perform vehicle build signoffs; support vehicle launches and issue resolution
Support Ford/supplier plant reviews, including APQP, PFMEA, SCCAF, and Control Plans
Work with the Plant Vehicle Team, Supplier Technical Assistance, and suppliers to track and improve warranty performance
Identify and implement cost-saving ideas
Travel domestically and internationally to supplier/Ford manufacturing sites as needed, approximately 1–2 times per year per site
Manage product release CAD and BOM structures, assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis
Facilitate supplier data integration and develop CAD studies to support design improvements
Utilize product check-in/check-out, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem
Perform CAD feasibility analyses, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks

Requirements

What you’ll need

BSME, BSEE, or similar engineering degree
5+ years of automotive engineering experience in Steering Systems or related
1 year of Project leadership experience
1 year of CAD experience
MSME, MSEE or similar engineering degree (preferred)
Prior experience as a Ford Design & Release Engineer and/or Core/foundation engineering experience
Prior experience with chassis, steering, or other safety-critical components
Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA), DFMEA, FUSA
Systems Engineering exposure (SySML/MBSE, SDS Requirements, Functional Specifications)
Statistical Data Analysis / Minitab
GD&T and reading prints
Working knowledge of Ford engineering tools: WERS, FEDE, Teamcenter
Advanced problem-solving skills (8D, 5 Whys, DOE, Is/Is Not tools)
CAD (CATIA)
Supplier management / RFQ experience
Good written and oral communication skills
Strong teamwork; able to work independently
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

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
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time