Product Development D&R Engineer

Ford Motor Company is seeking a highly motivated Design & Release (D&R) Engineer to join our Product Development team. The candidate will work with internal and external customers to develop competitive, cost- and weight-efficient designs that meet Ford's quality, performance, and manufacturing standards. This role requires strong technical expertise in CAD-based engineering analysis and cross-functional collaboration to ensure designs are release-ready for production.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external customers (suppliers, manufacturing plants, cross-functional teams) to develop cost-effective and weight-optimized component and system designs.
• 4 days on site in GTBC Ford México (Naucalpan, México)
• Availability to travel out of México for 2-3 weeks on lauching phase (Bachelor's Degree fully completed with official Degree Certificate and Professional License (Título y Cédula Profesional required).
• Perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools (CATIA, or equivalent), including:
  • Draft angle analysis
  • Undercut detection
  • Minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal components
  • Clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements
• Release engineering drawings, specifications, and 3D models that comply with Ford's design standards and manufacturing capabilities.
• Support Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and drive design robustness through problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Six Sigma).
• Coordinate with manufacturing, tooling, and quality teams to resolve design and process issues throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Manage engineering changes (ECRs/ECOs) and ensure timely release of documentation in Ford's PLM systems (e.g., Team Center, GPDS).
• Track program timing, milestones, and deliverables in alignment with Ford's Global Product Development System.
• Participate in design reviews, prototype builds, and validation testing to confirm design intent and functional requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and corporate design standards.

• BS Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or a related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in the Automotive or Aerospace industry (experience with hinged closures is preferred)
• Experience with sheet metal body structures, closures, stamping, static and/or dynamic sealing, gas struts/hood props, power drive units/motors, hinges, and latch systems
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (e.g., CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, Siemens NX, or equivalent) for part modeling, surfacing, tolerance stack-up analysis, and design feasibility studies
• Hands-on experience with "in-house" engineering, design, and release, as well as managing full-service supplier commodities, with on-time delivery at cost & quality targets

Even better, you may have:

• 3+ years of experience on front closures systems for forward model vehicles with direct ownership of part engineering, system engineering, and part release to meet cost, weight, quality, functional performance, studio appearance, craftsmanship, test validation, manufacturing feasibility, and launch timing requirements (e.g., hoods, front doors, fenders, front-end structure, latches, and hinges)
• Experience interfacing with design studio on resolution of design issues related to Exterior Front Closures systems
• Experience leading peers via design reviews to resolve part-to-part interface issues and deliver a successful system
• Experience solving current model quality issues and implementing corrective actions
• Ability to utilize and demonstrate System Engineering disciplines and Design for Manufacturing principles to proactively solve issues
• Knowledge of craftsmanship expectations, benchmarking, and futuring
• Knowledge of automotive exterior components, including materials and manufacturing technologies, such as stamping, injection molding, extrusion, forging, casting, welding, riveting, etc.
• Working knowledge of CAE tools and methods (e.g., FEA, structural/durability simulation) to interpret analysis results and support design optimization decisions
• Ability to work overtime & travel to support launches

Soft Skills

• Effective communication across cross-functional teams
• Technical leadership / influence without authority
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Negotiation
• Time management and prioritization
• Adaptability under ambiguity
• Results-driven mindset
• Global, multicultural teamwork
• Attention to detail (craftsmanship focus)

Ford of Mexico is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to our success. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability status.

Our focus is to build the best team. If you think you can bring value to Ford, love to collaborate, prioritize and aim to deliver excellence in everything you do, we encourage you to apply!

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

From <https://teams.microsoft.com/v2/>

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