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Product Development Engineer

Job ID
68010
Category
PD Operations and Quality
Location
Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico
Work Type
Hybrid

In this position, you will own the end-to-end development, integration, and lifecycle management of auto transmission shifter commodities (such as mechanical and/or shift-by-wire systems). The role serves as the central hub connecting hardware design, software integration, supplier management, and cross-functional teams (including HMI, Styling Studio, and Electrical Architecture) to deliver high-quality, safe, and tactilely refined shifting interfaces from initial concept through post-launch production.

Responsibilities

Design, Release & Lifecycle Management

  • Commodity Ownership: Own the end-to-end design, packaging, integration, and release of electronic and/or mechanical shift system commodities.

  • Requirements & Specifications: Define appearance and functional requirements; manage design rules, system-level specifications, and dimensional stack-ups.

  • Lifecycle Support: Manage commodities pre- and post-launch to support ongoing quality, manufacturing feasibility, and Total Value Management (TVM) cost-efficiency initiatives.

  • Safety & Compliance: Partner with design teams to optimize component performance, reliability, and durability to meet key governmental safety requirements.

Systems & Software Integration

  • Systems Engineering: Interface with vehicle-level electrical systems engineers to define system requirements, review schematics, and ensure compatibility between interfacing modules.

  • Data & Software Management: Manage CAD data management interfaces, CAN messaging databases, and software interfaces between the vehicle and the device.

  • Craftsmanship & UX: Lead sound quality delivery and tactile craftsmanship for the user interface.

Supplier & Quality Management

  • Supplier Alignment: Manage the supply base for automatic transmission user interfaces, interfacing with internal Supplier Quality Engineers to lead engagement and alignment meetings.

  • Testing & Validation: Manage supplier- and vehicle-level testing for related software and hardware; interpret and manage DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, SCCAFs, and Control Plans.

Program Management & Collaboration

  • Cross-Functional Synergy: Collaborate globally with Design Studio, Human-Machine Interface (HMI)/Ergonomics, Manufacturing (VO), Feature Owners, and Electrical Architecture teams to deliver commodities on time, on target, and with best-in-class quality.

  • Issue Resolution: Drive rapid issue resolution using tools like JIRA and AIMS, maintaining clear open issues lists to prioritize workflow.

  • Milestone Delivery: Support program milestones and physical builds with necessary hardware, software, change notices (WERS), and alerts.

You'll have...

  • Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related).
  • Experience: 2+ years of automotive engineering experience spanning early development through launch.
  • Technical Breadth: General knowledge of vehicle systems, electronic/mechanical interfaces, and material properties/mass production processes.
  • Engineering Disciplines: Practical experience with engineering tools (CATIA, DFMEA, DVP&R, P-diagram) and the ability to interpret 2D/3D CAD drawings and schematics.
  • Supplier & Requirements Management: Experience interpreting hardware/software specifications and managing supplier deliverables.
  • Problem Solving: Demonstrated analytical skills with structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8Ds, 5-Whys).
  • Tools & Systems: Proficiency in program management and release systems (e.g., FEDE, JIRA, AIMS, WERS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Professional Skills: Exceptionally strong communication, organization, cross-functional collaboration, and program management skills.

Even better, you may have...

  • Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Engineering.
  • Electronic Module Experience: Electronic module design and release experience, switch and shifter experience preferred.
  • Quality Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  • Manufacturing Quality: Deep understanding of the automotive PPAP process and manufacturing quality documentation (PFMEA, control plans, line flow charts).
  • Specialized Component Knowledge: Experience with interior illumination, injection-molded components, and craftsmanship of interior automotive components/user interfaces.
  • Testing & Systems Expertise: Hands-on component testing experience (bench, dyno, or vehicle) and familiarity with systems like TeamCenter, CATIA, and Global Integrator.
  • Electrical & Software Expertise: Knowledge of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), automotive software implementation, and CAN messaging/data management.
  • Global Exposure: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with global, cross-functional teams to resolve complex technical issues.
  • Modern Tooling: Working knowledge of commercially available AI tools and resources to drive engineering productivity.
  • Built on one bold idea and the passion to define sustainable transportation for generations to come, Ford is a story about people with a vision that’s still being written.

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