Ford Motor Company

Product Development Engineer-Steering

Ford Motor Company$65K — $166K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BSME, BSEE, or related engineering degree.
  • 5+ years of automotive engineering experience, particularly in Steering Systems.
  • 1 year of Project leadership experience.
  • 1 year of CAD experience.
  • Familiarity with Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA), DFMEA, FUSA methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Manage steering component suppliers and facilitate technical development.
  • Review, release, and maintain 2D & 3D CAD models and Engineering Specifications.
  • Support development of foundational standards and processes (DFMEA/FUSA).
  • Review and validate supplier test reports and documentation.
  • Achieve program targets related to timing, cost, weight, and quality.
  • Develop Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA) and Reliability documentation.
  • Design and package Upper Steering systems and components.

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave options.
  • Tuition assistance for continuing education.
  • Employee vehicle discount program and management leases.
  • Generous paid time off, including individual/community service and holiday opportunities.
Full Job Description
Job Description

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.


Responsibilities

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).


Qualifications

You'll have...

BSME, BSEE, or similar engineering degree.
5+ years of automotive engineering experience in Steering Systems (Column, Intermediate Shaft, Dash Boot, Shift Lever, and/or Locks) or related.
1 year of Project leadership experience.
I year of CAD experience.

Even better, you may have...
MSME, MSEE or similar engineering degree.

Prior experience as a Ford Design & Release Engineer and/or Core/foundation engineering experience.

Prior experience with chassis, steering, or other safety-critical components.

Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA), DFMEA, FUSA.

Systems Engineering exposure (SySML/MBSE, SDS Requirements, Functional Specifications).

Statistical Data Analysis / Minitab.

GD&T and reading prints.

Working knowledge of Ford engineering tools: WERS, FEDE, Teamcenter.

Advanced problem-solving skills (8D, 5 Whys, DOE, Is/Is Not tools).

CAD (CATIA).

Supplier management / RFQ experience.

Good written and oral communication skills.

Strong teamwork; able to work independently.

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.

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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.

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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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