Product Development Hydraulic Lab Applications Engineer

Overview

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world — together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!

The Product Development Engineer manages the end‑to‑end testing lifecycle in the HMS (Hydraulic and Mechanical System) Lab, translating customer Test Requests (TRs) into actionable plans and high‑quality data. This role coordinates team activities, oversees technical setups and resource scheduling, and manages stakeholder communication. The engineer also handles emergency testing, supports site calibrations, and provides technical support in the dynamometer lab as needed to ensure all customer needs are met with precision and efficiency.

• Test Planning & Customer Liaison — Review Test Requests, gather customer requirements, and lead progress meetings to align on project goals.
• Customer Satisfaction — Manage post‑test interactions, administer and review customer quality surveys, and drive continuous improvement.
• Technical Preparation & Fixture Management — Evaluate existing inventory, collaborate with the Design Group to develop new fixtures, and assign and configure test articles to appropriate test stands.
• Pre‑Test Inspection — Inspect parts for functionality, verify component specifications against the TR.
• Setup Oversight — Assist or oversee physical test setup, ensuring proper fixture installation and adherence to written test operation instructions.
• Project Coordination & Resource Management — Coordinate daily activities, schedule test stand usage via ELMS, maintain detailed documentation, and organize test folders for data and metadata.
• Data Integrity & Quality Assurance — Monitor active tests, verify data accuracy and completeness, upload verified data to the Analytical Product Data Management (APDM) system.

• (B.S.) Degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience in test operations, laboratory management, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of technical expertise with laboratory testing environments, test stand operations, and data acquisition systems.
• Project Management — Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and lead cross‑functional team activities.
• Communication — Excellent verbal and written communication skills for frequent customer‑facing interactions and technical reporting.
• Software Proficiency — Experience with lab management software (e.g., ELMS), data management systems (e.g., APDM), and tools for test profile creation.
• Detail Orientation — Rigorous approach to pre‑test inspections and post‑test data verification to ensure zero‑defect delivery to the customer.

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized back‑up childcare 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 7-8 and ranges from $84,480 - $162,120.

For more information on salary and benefits, :

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Candidates 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

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.