Vehicle Accessory Product Development Engineer

Job Description

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?

Ford’s Electric Vehicles, Digital and Design (EVDD) team is charged with delivering the company’s vision of a fully electric transportation future. EVDD is customer‑obsessed, entrepreneurial, and data‑driven and is dedicated to delivering industry‑leading customer experience for electric vehicle buyers and owners. You’ll join an agile team of doers pioneering our EV future by working collaboratively, staying focused on only what matters, and delivering excellence day in and day out.

Join us to make positive change by helping build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

In this position, the 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. You will play a key part in designing and engineering high‑quality vehicle accessories that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of vehicles. Your work will cover a variety of systems, including roof solutions, bed solutions, and innovative accessories, from concept through manufacturing and quality launch.

• 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 with suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers to select materials and optimize production processes.
• Support the product development lifecycle, from concept to production, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development, manufacturing, launch, 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, assembly feasibility, and serviceability. Support vehicle development milestones and prototype/production build events.

• Bachelor’s or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 4+ years of experience working on production vehicle development and launch.
• 6+ years of experience utilizing CAD (3DX, Catia, NX, ICEMSURF, or Alias); 3DX and CATIA preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in exterior, interior systems or accessory design, development, release and supplier management.
• Proof of record of development and launch experience for vehicle system and accessories, e.g. roof applications, bed applications, trailer hitch applications.

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, with experience designing mechanisms and electromechanical components.
• Strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes such as stamping, injection molding, casting, composites, paint and other surface finishes.
• Strong understanding of differences in design and engineering based on production volume and functional and cosmetic features.
• Strong familiarity with legislative requirements affecting design feasibility.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, craftsmanship, and CMF and how design execution would be affected.
• Experience in automotive Class A surface feasibility assessment and development, vehicle layout/package, including body structures, exteriors, closures, glazing.
• Hands‑on experience in building and launching automotive products.

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized backup child care, 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…