Ford Motor Company

Design & Release Engineer-Transmission Pan and Covers

Ford Motor Company$65K — $166K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in transmission pans and covers design.
  • 1+ year of CAD experience.
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing specifications.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and release activities for automotive transmission pans and covers.
  • Develop components that meet performance specifications for sealing and structural integrity.
  • Manage prototype build delivery and ensure quality standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for design feasibility.
  • Drive initiatives to enhance weight, cost, and performance of components.

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance and family building benefits.
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members.
  • Generous paid holidays and community service time off.
Full Job Description
Job Description

In this position...
The automotive industry is quickly moving towards a greater number of new powertrains to meet customer and market demands. With this shift, there is an expanding need for robust, lightweight, and cost-effective transmission pan and cover solutions-spanning nylon molded and metal (stamped) designs-for new and unique powertrain architectures. As the engineer for transmission pans and covers, you will have the unique opportunity to own all stages of the product design, development, and release. Your work will span from design concept to full-scale production, with an emphasis on quality, cost, weight, and functional performance.

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.

Responsibilities

What you'll do...

Lead Design & Release (D&R) activities for Nylon Molded and Metal Pan & Stamped Covers across current and future applications.

Develop component designs that meet sealing, fluid retention, and structural performance requirements.

Lead component design, validation, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) activities.

Manage prototype and production build delivery and quality.

Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize weight, cost, and performance of pan and cover components.

Lead "Team of 4" cross functional meetings between PD, Purchasing, Finance and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to deliver program targets.

Interface with systems engineering team, Ford manufacturing plants and component suppliers to meet program objectives for quality, cost, weight, durability and NVH.

Interface with CAD/CAE, manufacturing engineering and suppliers to deliver optimized designs and identify manufacturing feasibility.

Create and maintain FMA documents e.g. DFMEA, DVP&R, P-Diagram, Boundary Diagram.

Plan and manage prototype parts ordering and component/system level testing.

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.

Lead Design & Release (D&R) activities for Nylon Molded and Metal Pan & Stamped Covers across current and future applications.

Develop component designs that meet sealing, fluid retention, and structural performance requirements.

Lead component design, validation, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) activities.

Manage prototype and production build delivery and quality.

Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize weight, cost, and performance of pan and cover components.

Lead "Team of 4" cross functional meetings between PD, Purchasing, Finance and Cost Estimating in supplier selection to deliver program targets.

Interface with systems engineering team, Ford manufacturing plants and component suppliers to meet program objectives for quality, cost, weight, durability and NVH.

Interface with CAD/CAE, manufacturing engineering and suppliers to deliver optimized designs and identify manufacturing feasibility.

Create and maintain FMA documents e.g. DFMEA, DVP&R, P-Diagram, Boundary Diagram.

Plan and manage prototype parts ordering and component/system level testing.

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.

Qualifications

You'll have...

Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline.
2+ years of experience with transmission pans and covers.

1+ years of CAD experience.

Even better, you may have...
Master's of Science in mechanical engineering or similar discipline.
Strong engineering, problem solving, communication and teamwork skills.
Working knowledge of GD&T, quality management processes/tools and experience reading/creating engineering drawings and specifications.
Experience performing failure analysis of mechanical systems and components.
Knowledge of Six Sigma principles and experience using Minitab or similar statistical analysis tool.
Working knowledge of CAD/CAE tools, AutoCAD, MagicDraw, SysML.
Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, metallurgy and heat treatment of steel.
Working knowledge of MS Excel, Word & Power Point.
Working knowledge of the Ford release systems (WERS).
Some travel to suppliers or assembly plants may be required.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
• 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.

This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300.

This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-DW1

#VehicleHardwareEngineering

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in addition to offering financial services. The company sells to dealerships for retail sales, and for sale to fleet customers, including commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Ford’s vehicle portfolio includes automobiles, buses, tractors, and trucks. Retail financing includes retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles, and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail customers, government entities, daily rental car companies, and fleet customers. Finance receivables in the non-consumer portfolio include products offered to automotive dealers. Ford’s environmental initiatives include compressed natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, electric drive vehicles, Hydrogen, PC power management, and so on. Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Ford Motor Company, a global leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. At Ford, we are committed to driving human progress by providing outstanding vehicles and mobility solutions. This is an exciting time to become part of our inclusive team, where job opportunities abound and growth is not just a possibility, but a promise.

Work You’ll Do

At Ford Motor Company, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our professionals are at the forefront of automotive technology, leading projects that redefine transportation and sustainability. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement and respect for all, Ford offers a workplace where leadership, diversity training, and innovation are part of everyday life.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Ford’s commitment to excellence is why we are a leader in the automotive sector. We offer a variety of career paths, from engineering to marketing, all designed to foster professional and personal growth. Our team benefits from Ford’s commitment to professional development and networking opportunities, ensuring that every team member can reach their full potential.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that makes a difference. Ford Motor Company is pioneering developments in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions. Our team of over 190,000 employees worldwide is dedicated to crafting experiences that improve the way the world moves.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at Ford means more than just having a job; it means being part of a global family. Our culture promotes teamwork, integrity, and respect—values that underpin everything we do. We believe in nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.

Future-Proof Your Career

Ford Motor Company is not just a great place to work; it’s a place to build a lasting career. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive health care, and retirement plans that rank among the best in the industry. We support career advancement through extensive training programs and hands-on experience in the latest automotive technologies.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student interested in an internship, Ford has opportunities that will harness your skills and ignite your ambition. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, designed to match your skills and passions with the right position.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Ford? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that’s building the future of transportation.

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Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ

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