Product Development Engineer – Hardware, Locks, and Mechanisms (HLM)

Job ID: 66825
Location: Dearborn, Michigan
Category: PD Operations and Quality

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At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.

Job Type: Full time
Work Type: Hybrid

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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!

The HLM Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, release and implementation of handles, locks, and mechanisms into vehicle closures (hoods/frunks, side doors, tailgates, liftgates, decklids). You will also drive for design improvements to increase quality and optimize cost/weight throughout development as well as through the production life of the products.

In addition, you will lead the suppliers and guide the design of the HLM components, achieving compliance to Requirements & Design Rules, managing attributes (package, design feasibility, NVH, water management, craftsmanship, crash safety) as well as the manufacturing assembly requirements at the assembly plant(s).

What you'll do...

Manage and lead the HLM suppliers to comply with program cost, weight, quality, performance, and timing targets.
Understand GPDS (Global Product Development System) and create plans to deliver on time.
Collaborate with cross functional teams to deliver a robust system at vehicle level, ensuring all system interfaces of the HLM components are evaluated and validated.
Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
Perform and/or review & sign off technical analyses of component/system functional and packaging studies such as: dimensional stackups (GD&T layouts), CAE’s, dynamic calculations and simulations, etc.
Actively participate in the Technical Design Reviews.
Release and update parts in FEDEBOM and WERS through the product life cycle.
Review and sign-off CAD in Teamcenter
Compile, document, sign-off, and present evidence of compliance to all applicable design rules and requirements.
Develop HLM System documents including DFMEAs, SCCAF, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, & DVP&Rs
Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
Develop ESOW (Engineering Statement of Work), EC (Engineering concepts) and participate in the Sourcing Process (SOBA, ED&T review, piece cost and tooling cost review.
Identify validation, durability and functional tests required as per SDS & ES. (DVP / FEDE)
Address issues with root cause analysis (8Ds, 3x5Why) and permanent corrective actions implementation.
Apply knowledge of six sigma principles.
Define and verify engineering prototypes requirements at part level.
Parts implementation/Sign-off at assembly plant & assistance with quality issues at all milestones.
Review impact of PDL revisions and proceed accordingly if affected.
Collaborate with STA with technical assistance through the Supplier Engagement Process.
Deliver by applying the One Ford Behaviors.
Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites when required.
Travel to North America plants when required.

You'll have...

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a related field.
2+ years of engineering experience in design, development, or launch of automotive mechanisms. Can include experience from internships and coursework.
- Automotive Latching system like Side Door latching, tailgate/liftgate latch and or latching system,
- Automotive product engineer and or design release engineer
  - on Body closures system
  - on Seat mechanism and or Seat structures
- Farming and or oil drilling mechanism product design experience
- Aero plane landing gear mechanism product engineer experience
- Heavy construction mechanism product engineer experience
CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter) & familiarity with CAE tools and software.
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.
integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently
Demonstrated ability to show initiative and prioritize workload.
Ability to travel domestical and international.
Proficient in MS Office apps such as Excel, Word, Power Point MS Teams, and MS Azure SharePoint.
This position is onsite 5 days a week in office and or Ford plant

Even better, if you have …

Preferred

Experience in design and release of latching mechanisms, closure systems, or related mechanism applications like Seat and Seat Structures.
Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
8D and 5Why corrective action and problem-solving skills.
Experience with DFMEA's, PFMEA's, and SCCAF's
Knowledgeable in the Phased PPAP process
Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T
Ability to work in a fluid environment when overall vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location are not always known.
Ability to solve complex system issues and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to adapt your role to a variety of applications and issues as 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 6-8 and ranges from $74,300 - $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.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is onsite. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.

#LI-Onsite

#VehicleHardwareEngineering

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Change the world with your ideas.

Speak up. We’re listening. At Ford, we believe the right ideas, and the people behind them, can move an entire industry. Here, you'll work with teams who value your voice, push bold ideas forward, and leave a mark that lasts.

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Support designed to go the distance.

From day one, Ford invests in you with medical benefits built to help you plan for what’s next. You’ll also get support for you and your family that meets you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.

Health and Wellness

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health, and unique wellness perks keep you and your family supported every step of the way.
Financial and Retirement Programs

Build a strong financial future with robust retirement contributions, savings programs, and free personalized financial planning tools.
Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Enjoy your time away from work with generous vacation, holidays, and flexible family leave designed to help you balance life and work with ease.
Vehicle Discount Program

The best thing about building great products is driving them! The second-best thing: sharing your discount with family and friends so they can drive them, too.
Family Growth and Support

Grow your family confidently with fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance, paid parental leave, and a supportive new-parent ramp-up program.
Additional Programs

Enjoy unexpected extras like pet insurance, legal services, identity protection, and access to convenient health and wellness services.

Ford gives me the space to innovate, to lead, and to serve — all while staying true to who I am as an engineer, educator, and parent. It’s not just a career; it’s a community that drives change.

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Product Development Engineer – Hardware, Locks, and Mechanisms (HLM)

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Change the world with your ideas.

Support designed to go the distance.

Health and Wellness

Financial and Retirement Programs

Flexible Vacation and Holidays

Vehicle Discount Program

Family Growth and Support

Additional Programs

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