Senior Vehicle Accessory Product Development Engineer

Senior Vehicle Accessory Product Development Engineer

We are Ford Motor Company. The Senior Vehicle Accessory Product Development Engineer will work closely with studio designers to develop new design concepts and collaborate with other vehicle engineering teams and cross-functional teams on technical, feasibility, and cost trade-off studies. In this role, you will design and engineer high-quality vehicle accessories that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of vehicles, from concept through manufacturing and quality teams for the launch.

You will explore creative ideas across systems including roof solutions, bed solutions, and various innovative accessories.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop vehicle accessories in CAD and other engineering tools.
• Conduct feasibility studies, prototyping, and testing to ensure product performance and durability.
• Define roadmap for accessories with build-to-print approach, and co-development approach with suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to select materials and optimize production processes.
• Support the product development lifecycle from concept to production, ensuring timelines and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development, manufacturing, launching and service phases.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and materials to drive innovation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing to ensure manufacturing feasibility and serviceability; support vehicle development milestones and prototype/production build events.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in production vehicle development and launch
• 4+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX, Catia, NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias); 3DX and CATIA preferred
• 4+ years of experience in exterior, interior systems or accessory design, development, release and supplier management
• Proof of development and launch experience for vehicle systems and accessories (e.g., roof, bed, trailer hitch)
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals; experience designing mechanisms and electromechanical components
• Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes (stamping, injection molding, casting, composites, paint and finishes)
• Understanding of design considerations based on production volume and functional/cosmetic features
• Knowledge of regulatory and legislative requirements affecting design feasibility
• Understanding of GD&T, CMF, and design execution implications
• Experience in automotive Class A surface feasibility, vehicle layout/package (body structures, exteriors, closures, glazing)
• Hands-on experience in building and launching automotive products

Note:

You may not check every box, or your experience may look different from what’s outlined, but Ford encourages you to apply if you can bring value.

Benefits

• 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
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
• Tuition assistance
• Established employee resource groups
• Paid time off for community service and holidays
• Paid time off with option to purchase additional vacation

This position is a salary grade 8. For more information on salary and benefits, visit the Ford careers site. Visa sponsorship is available for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required d is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call

Onsite work of up to four days per week may be required for candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub location.