Product Development Engineer - Automotive Accessories

Ford; Allen Park (MI); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Vehicle discount program

Tuition assistance

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Ford Customization develops and launches accessories for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, leading programs from concept to production. The PDE serves as the primary engineering lead, coordinating with suppliers, program managers, product planners, and manufacturing to meet safety, regulatory, and quality requirements.

This role requires strong engineering judgment, supplier relationship building, and the ability to drive programs through validation and launch, including vehicle integration and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Demonstrated experience in product development, engineering, design and release.
• Strong understanding of product development processes, engineering principles, vehicle systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to lead engineering projects and coordinate multiple programs, suppliers, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills with sound engineering judgment.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements, CAD data, technical documentation, test results, and vehicle-level information.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch, including commercial accessories installed at plants and dealer facilities.
• Lead discussions, design reviews, and weekly status meetings; communicate status and risks to leadership and teams.
• Coordinate and ensure on-time milestone deliveries and validation activities.
• Partner with Program Managers on new product opportunities and support business case development with engineering input.
• Develop designs directly with suppliers, review CAD data and validation plans, and resolve technical issues.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

CAD systems

Job description

Ford Customization develops and launches accessories for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, leading programs from concept to production. The PDE serves as the primary engineering lead, coordinating with suppliers, program managers, product planners, and manufacturing to meet safety, regulatory, and quality requirements.

This role requires strong engineering judgment, supplier relationship building, and the ability to drive programs through validation and launch, including vehicle integration and