Product Development Engineer

A Product Development Engineer is responsible for defining, own, and enforcing the electronic hardware and interface requirements for critical closure subsystems within Ford's electrical architectures. These subsystems include, but are not limited to, Door Control Units, Frunk Control Units, and Rear Gate Control Units, which integrate a multitude of body module functionalities such as load profile management, power bus control, Key Off Load management, window control, and other door & gate subsystems.

This role is critical in ensuring robust hardware design, efficient IC selection, and adherence to component capabilities across all functional electrical and ambient ranges. The Core Closure Electronic Engineer will maintain rigorous requirements across body module interfaces for applicable vehicle programs, from concept to production.

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

What you'll do...

* Lead the electronic hardware design development for closure subsystems, collaborating closely with suppliers, system design and architecture teams.

* Define, author, and ensure strict adherence to technical specifications, industry standards, and Ford-specific requirements for closure subsystem electronics.

* Perform comprehensive load analysis and management to optimize power distribution, prevent overloads, and ensure robust functionality across all integrated features.

* Collaborate with Functional Safety teams to ensure all electronic designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262 principles).

* Ensure seamless integration and compatibility of closure electronics with interfacing vehicle subsystems and components.

* Serve as the primary technical interface with suppliers to clarify Ford requirements, drive robust component development, and manage design deviations as necessary.

* Act as a key technical liaison with internal stakeholders including Purchasing, Quality, and Vehicle Platforms.

* Lead and conduct vehicle system compatibility reviews for closure subsystems at key GPDS (Global Product Development System) milestones.

* Lead and support root cause analysis and resolution of product-related issues (e.g., build, plant, field) for closure electronics.

* Author and release Closure subsystem Requirements (RQTs) within Ford's engineering documentation systems (e.g., FEDE).

* Review and approve Closure subsystem Module Component Design Specifications (CDS).

* Provide technical support and guidance to global Body Module/Zonal Module application engineers.

* Investigate and assess the technical feasibility of new closure subsystem features and requirements, conducting comprehensive trade-off analyses for cost, quality, and reliability.

* Lead Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) for closure module hardware designs and drive resolution of identified issues.

* Support the development and release of component-level Hardware Specifications and Device Transmittals for closure modules.

* Review and provide ultimate sign-off authority for Design Verification (DV) and Process Validation (PV) plans and reports (DVP&R), ensuring compliance with specifications.

* Lead reviews and problem resolution for identified test failures, developing and implementing resolution plans with suppliers.

* Develop and maintain Failure Mode Analysis documentation for closure components.

* Prepare for and lead technical design review meetings, representing Closure Module teams (e.g., DCU, FHCM, RGTM, Zonal Module) in management and vehicle program reviews to explain and defend technical findings and recommendations.

* Leverage technical expertise to rigorously review and analyze supplier simulation and verification results for analog, digital hardware, and firmware.

* Actively participate in the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for Global Closure Modules.

What you'll do...

* Lead the electronic hardware design development for closure subsystems, collaborating closely with suppliers, system design and architecture teams.

* Define, author, and ensure strict adherence to technical specifications, industry standards, and Ford-specific requirements for closure subsystem electronics.

* Perform comprehensive load analysis and management to optimize power distribution, prevent overloads, and ensure robust functionality across all integrated features.

* Collaborate with Functional Safety teams to ensure all electronic designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262 principles).

* Ensure seamless integration and compatibility of closure electronics with interfacing vehicle subsystems and components.

* Serve as the primary technical interface with suppliers to clarify Ford requirements, drive robust component development, and manage design deviations as necessary.

* Act as a key technical liaison with internal…