Product Development Engineer-Steering

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

In this position...

The Steering Engineer is responsible for the Steering Column, Locks, Shift Lever, Intermediate Shaft, and Dash Boot across the full engineering lifecycle - from requirements and standards development through supplier technical management and design execution. You will join a team that strives to ensure engineering technical excellence with a focus on reliability, Failure Mode Avoidance, quality, technical design reviews, and robust design sign-off.

• 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.

• The D&R Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford's PLM ecosystem.

• The D&R Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.

Engineer responsible for Steering Systems (Steering Column, Intermediate Shaft, Dash Seal/Boot, Shift Lever, Locks). This role partners with program teams, cross-functional groups, and suppliers to deliver systems and components that meet packaging, timing, quality, cost, weight, reliability, and performance targets, from foundational requirements through program launch.

What you'll do...

• 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 (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 (FMA) 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 to ensure clean sign-off against requirements and design rules with disciplined DVP&Rs.
• Prepare and present project/technical milestone status reports.
• Develop and analyze complex dimensional stack-ups.
• Support vehicle CAE, NVH, Dynamics and Safety teams as needed.
• Perform vehicle build signoffs; support vehicle launches and issue resolution.
• Support Ford/supplier plant reviews (APQP, PFMEA, SCCAF, Control Plans).
• Work with the Plant Vehicle Team (PVT), Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) and suppliers to track and improve warranty performance.
• Identify and implement cost-saving ideas.
• Domestic and international travel to supplier/Ford manufacturing sites as needed (approximately 1-2 times per year per site).

What you'll do...

• 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 (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 (FMA) 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 to ensure clean sign-off against requirements and design rules with disciplined DVP&Rs.
• Prepare and present project/technical milestone status reports.
• Develop and analyze complex dimensional stack-ups.
• Support vehicle CAE, NVH, Dynamics and Safety teams as needed.
• Perform vehicle build signoffs; support vehicle launches and issue resolution.
• Support Ford/supplier plant reviews (APQP, PFMEA, SCCAF, Control Plans).
• Work with the Plant Vehicle Team (PVT), Supplier Technical Assistance (STA) and suppliers to track and improve warranty performance.
• Identify and implement cost-saving ideas.
• Domestic and international travel to supplier/Ford manufacturing sites as needed (approximately 1-2 times per year per site).