Product Development Engineer - Commercial Accessories, Design & Release
$86.6k - $166.2k
Mid
Bachelor's
Allen Park, MI, USA
HybridHybrid; onsite four or more days per week.
Mechanical EngineeringDesign Engineering
No H1B Sponsorship
About the job
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university is required.
- Demonstrated experience in product development, engineering, design, and release is required.
- A strong understanding of product development processes, engineering principles, vehicle systems, and manufacturing processes is required.
- The role requires the ability to lead engineering projects and coordinate multiple programs, suppliers, and deliverables simultaneously.
- Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound engineering judgment, are required.
- The role requires the ability to interpret engineering requirements, computer-aided design data, technical documentation, test results, and vehicle-level information.
- The role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire.
Responsibilities
- Lead engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch, including commercial accessories such as shelving systems, partitions, flooring, and trade packages installed at vehicle plants, modification centers, and dealer facilities.
- Lead new-product discussions, design and technical reviews, and weekly engineering status meetings; communicate status, risks, actions, and timing to leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Establish priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables, including WERS releases, are completed on schedule to support on-time launches.
- Partner with Program Managers and Product Planners on new product opportunities, feasibility, and product-line planning; support business case development and the CFT process with engineering assessments, technical data, cost, and timing input.
- Develop designs directly with suppliers by providing computer-aided design and technical data; review supplier designs, assumptions, packaging studies, environmental considerations, and validation plans; and resolve technical issues to confirm requirements are met.
- Ensure designs meet safety, regulatory requirements including FMVSS, functional, quality, durability including CAE data, EMC, and vehicle integration requirements, including integration into commercial vans and pickup trucks.
- Build supplier relationships, provide clear engineering direction aligned with ESOW requirements, and monitor supplier performance and deliverables against program timing and quality expectations.
- Review Product Development Letters and base vehicle changes with Base Vehicle Design and Release Engineers to identify model-year impacts and ensure accessory compatibility and validation for each model year.
- Coordinate and lead vehicle-level testing and validation with suppliers and Ford organizations; review and approve validation evidence, engineering documentation, and required sign-offs supporting product release.
- Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance; coordinate prototype and production fit-ups involving vehicles, parts, and work orders; and issue product evaluation and installation reports from fit-ups, plant and modification-center evaluations, and field/dealer activities.
- Review, validate, and approve accessory installation instructions and customer/service documentation.
- Review warranty and field data to identify trends and recurring issues; lead technical investigations and corrective actions for engineering, quality, fit, function, and launch issues.
- Maintain engineering records and documentation throughout the product development cycle.
- Coordinate modification-center trials and evaluate installation processes; support launch events and provide timely engineering direction on issues at plants, modification centers, dealers, or in the field.
- Represent Engineering in cross-functional and supplier meetings and program forums, including program assumption, weekly PAT, CFT, change control, plant launch, AIMS, and engineering staff and design reviews, with clear technical recommendations and decisions.
- Engage program leadership, including Directors, Chief Engineers, and Program Managers, on current and future products and technical concerns.
- Provide technical support to customers, dealers, and suppliers on accessory use, operation, installation, and maintenance.
- Provide technical guidance to new engineers, follow engineering department processes, and support continuous improvement through AI and new technologies.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with WERS, computer-aided design systems, vehicle modification centers, supplier development, or automotive accessory development is preferred.
About the company
Ford Motor Company designs and builds vehicles for individual drivers and commercial fleets worldwide, spanning Ford trucks and SUVs and Lincoln luxury models. Its Mustang sports car and Bronco off-road vehicles sit alongside gasoline, hybrid and electric products. The company sells vehicles, parts and accessories through dealers, while Ford Pro combines commercial vehicles with fleet software, charging and maintenance services; Ford Credit earns money from customer and dealer financing and leases. Connected services add subscriptions for vehicle features and business operations. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Dearborn, Michigan
Founded
1903
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Hybrid demand supports product teams: October 2026 results showed Maverick Hybrid's third-quarter sales rose 59.6%.
- Development has funding: Ford's US salaried education program reimburses eligible tuition up to $6,000 yearly.
- Profit expectations improved: July 2026 guidance raised Ford's annual adjusted earnings before interest and taxes to $10-$11 billion.
What critics are saying
- Production depends on suppliers: Ford's October 2026 update confirmed a September supplier issue disrupted F-150 output.
- Expect limited remote work: Ford's US salaried guide specifies four onsite days weekly for most salaried staff.
- Ford's EV losses drain earnings: July 2026 results showed a $919 million second-quarter loss before interest and taxes.
What makes Ford Motor Company unique
- The founding family retains influence: Ford's Class B shares carry 40% of shareholder voting power.
- Fleet software reaches beyond its vehicles: Ford Pro Telematics tracks non-Ford vehicles through approved plug-in devices.
- Truck leadership is entrenched: December 2025 reporting marked F-Series' 49th consecutive year as America's bestselling truck.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Remote Work Options
- Paid Parental Leave
- Family Planning Benefits
- Fertility Treatment Support
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation