Driveline Systems Engineer

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.

At Ford, we are driven by a shared vision to move the world and shape the future. We embrace innovation, collaborate passionately, and contribute to something larger than ourselves every day. Are you ready to be a part of transforming mobility?

Our Product Development team leverages design thinking and user experience methodologies to deliver breakthrough products and services that truly delight our customers. We are committed to bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life, with global opportunities to advance autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more.

The Opportunity: As a Driveline Systems Engineer within the Underbody Systems Engineering (UnSE) organization, you will be a key systems owner for our iconic truck and large SUV platforms, including the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. These critical vehicles are built in our premier North American assembly plants, including the Dearborn Truck Plant, Kansas City Assembly Plant, and the Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP) in Louisville, Kentucky.

Unlike a traditional component release role, your primary focus will be on "designing at the interfaces." You will bridge the gap between physical driveline components (axles, driveshafts, halfshafts) and adjacent vehicle systems (chassis, frame, powertrain, and software controls). You will be instrumental in collaborating with cross-functional attribute teams to balance NVH, durability, and vehicle dynamics, while actively leading system-level vehicle testing at our proving grounds to ensure our driveline systems meet rigorous program targets and deliver the flawless refinement our customers expect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead system-level integration and interface design (physical, functional, and electrical) between driveline components (axles, driveshafts, halfshafts) and adjacent vehicle subsystems (powertrain, chassis, frame, and controls)
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Design, Vehicle Dynamics, NVH, Durability, and Quality teams to negotiate trade-offs and deliver optimized, high-performance vehicle-level attributes
• Manage and execute rigorous system-level vehicle testing and validation protocols at Ford Proving Grounds and test tracks, ensuring the highest levels of reliability, safety, and refinement
• Translate vehicle-level program targets into robust driveline system-level requirements, managing compatibility and packaging across F-150, Expedition, and Navigator programs
• Support physical vehicle integration and launch execution at our manufacturing facilities, with a primary focus on the Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP) for Expedition/Navigator, as well as Dearborn Truck (DTP) and Kansas City Assembly Plant (KCAP) for F-150
• Conduct in-depth data analysis from vehicle testing and utilize systems engineering tools (FMEAs, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams) to resolve complex, system-level technical issues
• Actively participate in and contribute to systems design reviews, technical meetings, and program milestone gateways, serving as a key technical resource for driveline integration

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in automotive engineering

• The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

• Demonstrated experience with performance and durability testing, including both dynamometer and in-vehicle validation

• Robust understanding and application of Systems Engineering principles

• Familiarity with Ford's Design and Release Tools, such as WERS, Teamcenter, FEDE, ED&T, and processes including DVP, DFMEA, Quality History, and Warranty Analysis 

• Proven strong problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to developing innovative engineering solutions

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant engineering software tools for simulation, analysis, and modeling (e.g., CAD, CAE software) 

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment and effectively collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams

• Ability to travel occasionally (estimated less than 10%)

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 to a salary grade 8. Salaries can range from $65,100-$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.

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 hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#VehicleHardwareEngineering   #Li-Kh2