Product Development Engineer – Latching Mechanisms · Ford Motor Company

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:20:01 GMT
Engineering

Ford Motor Company · Dearborn · $74,300 - $166,200 · hybrid

We're looking for a Product Development Engineer to join our team at Ford Motor Company. As a Product Development Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, validation, release, and implementation of handles, locks, and mechanisms into vehicle closures. You will also drive design improvements to increase quality and optimize cost/weight throughout development as well as through the production life of the products.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing and leading the HLM suppliers to comply with program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets.

Understanding GPDS (Global Product Development System) and creating plans to deliver on time.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces of the HLM components are evaluated and validated.

Creating and presenting technical presentations for peer and management reviews.

Performing and/or reviewing & signing 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 participating in the Technical Design Reviews.

Releasing and updating parts in FEDEBOM and WERS through the product life cycle.

Reviewing and signing-off CAD in Teamcenter

Compiling, documenting, signing-off, and presenting evidence of compliance to all applicable design rules and requirements.

Developing HLM System documents including DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, & DVP&Rs

Leading design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.

Developing ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work), EC (Engineering concepts) and participating in the Sourcing Process (SOBA, ED&T review, piece cost and tooling cost review.

Identifying validation, durability and functional tests required as per SDS & ES. (DVP / FEDE)

Addressing issues with root cause analysis (8Ds, 3x5Why) and permanent corrective actions implementation.

Applying knowledge of six sigma principles.

Defining and verifying engineering prototypes requirements at part level.

Parts implementation/Sign-off at assembly plant & assistance with quality issues at all milestones.

Reviewing impact of PDL revisions and proceeding accordingly if affected.

Collaborating with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement Process.

Delivering by applying the One Ford Behaviors.

Traveling to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required.

Requirements include:

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.

CAD capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.

Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred qualifications include:

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 include:

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.

Salary range: $74,300 - $166,200