Ford Motor Company

Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company • $80K — $95K *
Dearborn, MI 48126In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in automotive seat design or related mechanical design role
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or equivalent) and GD&T principles
  • Working knowledge of seat safety standards (FMVSS 207, 210, 225)
  • Experience managing supplier relationships and technical design reviews
  • Strong understanding of DFMEA, DVP&R, and problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa)
  • Excellent communication skills in both Spanish and English

Responsibilities

  • Ensure CAD development from design to release of seat components
  • Develop seat designs that meet safety and regulatory requirements
  • Balance design constraints such as comfort, weight, and manufacturability
  • Collaborate with suppliers on seat components and manage design reviews
  • Conduct testing and troubleshooting for design verification
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering for optimal assembly designs
  • Manage timing and budget targets for the seat commodity throughout the program

Benefits

  • High-visibility opportunity shaping customer-facing components
  • Collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines
  • Involvement in the end-to-end design process from concept to production
  • Exposure to manufacturing and assembly processes
  • Opportunity to develop and manage supplier relationships
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Design Engineer to lead the design and development of the 1st or 2nd row seat for an upcoming forward model program. This role sits within the Seat Complete Engineering team and will own the integration of the seat structure, foam, trim, plastics, and any other hardware design from concept through production release, ensuring the seat meets all safety, durability, comfort, and cost targets while integrating seamlessly with vehicle packaging and manufacturing requirements.

This is a high-visibility opportunity to shape the design of a customer-facing component from early concept through Job 1, working closely with cross-functional teams including Body Structures, Interior Trim, Manufacturing, Safety/Restraints, and Supplier Quality.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure CAD development from design to release of the seat components such as structure, foam, trim, and mechanisms for a forward (future) vehicle program
  • Develop seat designs that satisfy FMVSS/regulatory requirements, occupant safety targets (crash performance, whiplash, child seat anchorage/LATCH), and internal corporate standards
  • Balance competing design constraints: comfort, weight, cost, manufacturability, and packaging within tight vehicle architecture space claims
  • Collaborate with suppliers to develop, validate, and release seat components; manage supplier design reviews and DFMEA/PFMEA activities
  • Conduct and support Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) testing; troubleshoot and resolve test failures through root-cause analysis and design iteration
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure designs are optimized for assembly and plant installation
  • Participate in tolerance stack-up analysis, GD&T application, and CAD/CAE collaboration with simulation teams (structural, comfort, durability)
  • Manage timing, budget, and mass targets for the 2nd row seat commodity throughout the program timeline
  • Support prototype builds, seat fit/finish evaluations, and vehicle-level integration events
  • Present design status, risks, and recommendations to program leadership and cross-functional teams at technical reviews


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years of experience in automotive seat design, interior component design, or related mechanical design role
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Siemens NX, CATIA, or equivalent) and GD&T principles
  • Working knowledge of seat safety standards (FMVSS 207, 210, 225, etc.) and structural/durability requirements
  • Experience managing supplier relationships and technical design reviews
  • Strong understanding of DFMEA, DVP&R, and problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa)
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced program environment
  • Teamcenter, Tc VisMockup
  • Excellent Spanish/English communication skills.
  • Excellent graphical communication skills (sketching).
  • Able to explain complex engineering concepts to other areas: Studio, Program, etc.
  • Structured problem solving and thinking.
  • Proactive, Disciplined.
  • Strong network and relationship builder.
  • Go getter.
  • Self-accountable for delivering results.
  • Able to negotiate with other areas.
  • Methodical but able to quickly analyze and take decisions.
  • Out of the box, innovative, and resilient in the face of adversity.
  • Ability and willingness to travel, as occasional travel will be required (Dearborn, Supplier sites, Ford assembly plant).

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
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ
F
* Ladders Estimates

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