Product Development Engineer - Commercial Accessories (Design & Release)

In this position...

Ford Customization (FC) develops, engineers, releases, validates, and launches a broad portfolio of accessories that complement Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Ford Licensed Accessories (FLA), part of the accessory group, develops products in partnership with suppliers and cross-functional Ford teams.

The Product Development Engineer (PDE) leads assigned programs from initial concept through production launch and serves as the primary engineering technical lead. The PDE works closely with suppliers, Program Managers, Product Planners, Manufacturing, Design, Base Vehicle Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing to ensure products meet applicable safety, regulatory, quality, functional, timing, and customer expectations. The position requires strong engineering judgment and the ability to evaluate requirements against applicable Ford vehicle requirements to establish realistic product acceptance criteria, build strong supplier relationships, provide technical direction, and resolve engineering issues to ensure successful launches.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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. 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!

What you'll do...

Lead engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch, including commercial accessories (shelving systems, partitions, flooring, trade packages, and others) installed at vehicle plants, modification centers, and dealer facilities.

Lead new-product discussions, design and technical reviews, and weekly engineering status meetings; communicate status, risks, actions, and timing to leadership and cross-functional teams.

Establish priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables, including WERS releases, are completed on schedule to support on-time launches.

Partner with Program Managers and Product Planners on new product opportunities, feasibility, and product-line planning; support business case development and the CFT process with engineering assessments, technical data, cost, and timing input.

Develop designs directly with suppliers: provide CAD and technical data, review supplier CAD, designs, assumptions, packaging studies, environmental considerations, and validation plans, and resolve technical issues to confirm requirements are met.

Ensure designs meet safety, regulatory (including FMVSS), functional, quality, durability (including CAE data), EMC, and vehicle integration requirements, including integration into commercial vans and pickup trucks.

Build supplier relationships, provide clear engineering direction aligned with ESOW requirements, and monitor supplier performance and deliverables against program timing and quality expectations.

Review Product Development Letters (PDLs) and base vehicle changes with Base Vehicle Design and Release Engineers to identify model-year impacts and ensure accessory compatibility and validation for each model year.

Coordinate and lead vehicle-level testing and validation with suppliers and Ford organizations; review and approve validation evidence, engineering documentation, and required sign-offs (FESO) supporting product release.

Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance; coordinate prototype and production fit-ups (vehicles, parts, work orders) and issue product evaluation and installation reports from fit-ups, plant and modification-center evaluations, and field/dealer activities.

Review, validate, and approve accessory installation instructions and customer/service documentation.

Review warranty and field data to identify trends and recurring issues; lead technical investigations and corrective actions for engineering, quality, fit, function, and launch issues.

• Maintain engineering records and documentation throughout the product development cycle.

Launch Support

• Coordinate modification-center trials and evaluate installation processes; support launch events and provide timely engineering direction on issues at plants, modification centers, dealers, or in the field.

• Represent Engineering in cross-functional and supplier meetings and program forums (program assumption, weekly PAT, CFT, change control, plant launch, AIMS, and engineering staff and design reviews) with clear technical recommendations and decisions.

• Engage program leadership, including Directors, Chief Engineers, and Program Managers, on current and future products and technical concerns.

• Provide technical support to customers, dealers, and suppliers on accessory use, operation, installation, and maintenance.

• Provide technical guidance to new engineers, follow engineering department processes, and support continuous improvement through AI and new technologies.

What you'll do...

Lead engineering activities for assigned programs from concept through production launch, including commercial accessories (shelving systems, partitions, flooring, trade packages, and others) installed at vehicle plants, modification centers, and dealer facilities.

Lead new-product discussions, design and technical reviews, and weekly engineering status meetings; communicate status, risks, actions, and timing to leadership and cross-functional teams.

Establish priorities, monitor milestones, and ensure deliverables, including WERS releases, are completed on schedule to support on-time launches.

Partner with Program Managers and Product Planners on new product opportunities, feasibility, and product-line planning; support business case development and the CFT process with engineering assessments, technical data, cost, and timing input.

Develop designs directly with suppliers: provide CAD and technical data, review supplier CAD, designs, assumptions, packaging studies, environmental considerations, and validation plans, and resolve technical issues to confirm requirements are met.

Ensure designs meet safety, regulatory (including FMVSS), functional, quality, durability (including CAE data), EMC, and vehicle integration requirements, including integration into commercial vans and pickup trucks.

Build supplier relationships, provide clear engineering direction aligned with ESOW requirements, and monitor supplier performance and deliverables against program timing and quality expectations.

Review Product Development Letters (PDLs) and base vehicle changes with Base Vehicle Design and Release Engineers to identify model-year impacts and ensure accessory compatibility and validation for each model year.

Coordinate and lead vehicle-level testing and validation with suppliers and Ford organizations; review and approve validation evidence, engineering documentation, and required sign-offs (FESO) supporting product release.

Evaluate accessory fit, function, appearance, installation, and performance; coordinate prototype and production fit-ups (vehicles, parts, work orders) and issue product evaluation and installation reports from fit-ups, plant and modification-center evaluations, and field/dealer activities.

Review, validate, and approve accessory installation instructions and customer/service documentation.

Review warranty and field data to identify trends and recurring issues; lead technical investigations and corrective actions for engineering, quality, fit, function, and launch issues.

• Maintain engineering records and documentation throughout the product development cycle.

Launch Support

• Coordinate modification-center trials and evaluate installation processes; support launch events and provide timely engineering direction on issues at plants, modification centers, dealers, or in the field.

• Represent Engineering in cross-functional and supplier meetings and program forums (program assumption, weekly PAT, CFT, change control, plant launch, AIMS, and engineering staff and design reviews) with clear technical recommendations and decisions.

• Engage program leadership, including Directors, Chief Engineers, and Program Managers, on current and future products and technical concerns.

• Provide technical support to customers, dealers, and suppliers on accessory use, operation, installation, and maintenance.

• Provide technical guidance to new engineers, follow engineering department processes, and support continuous improvement through AI and new technologies.