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Automotive Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Engineer

Dearborn, MI ยท Hybrid

$74.30K - $166.20K/yr

In-depth knowledge of the automotive product development lifecycle from concept to mass production ... Proficiency in engineering analysis methods, including Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) using ...

... automotive, beverage packaging and specialty markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis ... The Product Development Engineer will develop and implement new products and processes to improve ...

Senior Vehicle Development Engineer

Allen Park, MI

$95.30K - $130.90K/yr

Lead Planning, conducting, and directing system and vehicle level automotive testing * Lead ... a Senior Vehicle Development Engineer, you will need: * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical ...

Product Development Engineer

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$84.05K - $164.37K/yr

... Automotive Engineering or related field and 2 years of experience in the job offered or related ... Product Development Engineer - positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note ...

Development Engineer

Broadview, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... automotive, medical, consumer goods, and industrial applications. As part of the global Hexpol ... Overview We are seeking a passionate and energetic Development Engineer to join our dynamic team.

Ensure all relevant OE requirements are met and completed in coordination with the responsible Automotive Engineer(s). * An efficient tire development in a timely manner. * Perform mold design using ...

Product Development Engineer

Holly Springs, NC ยท Hybrid

$100K - $135K/yr

The company's products power a wide range of automotive and industrial systems, built with a ... Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in engineering, product development, quality ...

Product Development Engineer

Lake Forest, CA ยท Hybrid

$100K - $135K/yr

The company's products power a wide range of automotive and industrial systems, built with a ... Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in engineering, product development, quality ...

You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home ... The successful candidate will be responsible for development of new products and processes ...

You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home ... Engineering with 1-3 years manufacturing experience. Experience in fiber optics, cable development ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automotive Development Engineer information

See salary details

$49K

$96.2K

$153.5K

How much do automotive development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive development engineer in the United States is $96,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Development Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, proficiency in design principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of automotive industry standards or certifications like Six Sigma are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork enhance performance in this role. These skills ensure innovative, reliable vehicle designs and efficient collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

How does an Automotive Development Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during the vehicle design process?

Automotive Development Engineers frequently work in cross-functional teams alongside designers, manufacturing engineers, and quality assurance specialists. Throughout the vehicle design process, they coordinate closely with these departments to ensure that engineering specifications align with design concepts, manufacturability, and safety standards. Daily responsibilities often include participating in team meetings, sharing technical updates, and troubleshooting issues that arise during prototyping or testing. This collaborative environment helps streamline workflow and ensures that the final product meets all regulatory and performance requirements.

What does an Automotive Development Engineer do?

An Automotive Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new vehicles or automotive components. They work on improving vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency by using advanced engineering principles and technology. Their tasks may include creating prototypes, conducting simulations, and collaborating with other engineers and departments to bring innovative automotive solutions to market. This role often involves problem-solving, project management, and staying updated with the latest industry standards and regulations.

What is the difference between Automotive Development Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Development EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; relevant certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; certifications vary by industry
Work EnvironmentAutomotive R&D labs, manufacturing plants, testing facilitiesDesign studios, manufacturing, R&D labs
Industry UsageAutomotive industry, vehicle manufacturers, suppliersVarious industries including automotive, aerospace, machinery
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Automotive Development Engineers focus on designing, testing, and improving vehicle systems and components, often working closely with automotive manufacturers. Mechanical Design Engineers have a broader scope, working on mechanical components across multiple industries. While both roles require engineering degrees and technical skills, Automotive Development Engineers specialize in vehicle-specific development, making them more aligned with automotive industry needs.

More about Automotive Development Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Automotive Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,155 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI โ€ข Hybrid

$74.30K - $166.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

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.ย 

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.

You'll have...

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineeringย 

  • 5+ years of experience in electronic circuit design, specifically within automotive control systems or similar complex embedded hardware

  • Thorough understanding of analog and digital hardware systems, particularly as applied to automotive control systems

  • In-depth knowledge of the automotive product development lifecycle from concept to mass production

  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting automotive electrical distribution schematics

  • Solid understanding of EMC specifications and mitigation techniques

  • Proficiency in engineering analysis methods, including Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) using tools like MathCAD or similar simulation software

  • Proficiency with laboratory test equipment (e.g., multi-meters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers)

  • Experience with PCB design and manufacturing processes

  • Strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical information effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in electrical engineering

  • 10+ years of experience in electronic circuit design or similar experience within the automotive industry

  • Familiarity with the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

  • Experience with Vector tools such as CANalyzer or CANoe

  • Proficiency with Ford product development system applications (e.g., WERS, FEDEBOM, Team Center, Integrator, 3DX, etc)

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

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 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 serviceย 

A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Dayย 

Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.ย 

This position is a range of salary grades 6-8 and ranges from $74,300-$166,200.ย 

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company 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 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Hybridย ย ย ย ย ย  #LI-MG3

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.


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982