Design and Release Engineer-Brake Controls Hardware

Livonia, MIFull-time$65.1k–$166kPosted Aug 4, 2026

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!

 

In this position... 
Ford Motor Company is looking for a Design and Release Engineer for Brake Controls Hardware. This position can have global responsibility of multiple vehicle lines. Based in Livonia, Michigan, responsibilities include the design and package of components, overall system performance, cost and quality. Brake Controls hardware includes Anti-lock Brake Modules, Electronic Stability Control Modules, and Electronic Brake Boosters. As part of a safety system, the design and release engineer must also complete Federal Motor Vehicle Safety System (FMVSS) documentation and compliance.

 

  • The D&R Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.

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  • The D&R Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem.

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  • The D&R Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements. 

 What you'll do...

  • Design and release brake control modules, and brackets -- fully own all deliverables associated with your systems.

  •  Guide supplier partners through the Ford Global Product Development System (GPDS) process.

  •  Perform Failure Mode Avoidance and Functional Safety analyses to examine potential failure modes and design suitable prevention strategies.

  •  Work with chassis controls foundation team to establish requirements for advanced brake control systems and emerging new technologies.

  •  Work with other functional areas within Ford (Electrical, Powertrain, and Vehicle Program teams) to ensure that all vehicle interfaces are defined and supported.

  •  Support vehicle testing, rig testing, and Hardware-In-the-Loop simulations to demonstrate system functionality.

  •  Manage system quality, cost and timing to ensure high-quality program deliverables.

You'll have...

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline.
4 years of design or development experience in chassis or powertrain controls.

Even better, you may have...
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline.
Experience with FMEA and related Failure Mode Avoidance processes.
Familiarity with vehicle network communication (CAN).
Self-starter who can learn to use new tools and find solutions – ability to troubleshoot & fix vehicle problems.
Outstanding leadership and communication skills.
Experience in supplier management and cost negotiation.
Motivation to bring new technologies from concept to production in a short time period
Familiarity with Computer added design systems - TeamCenter / 3DX.
Experience with complex system analysis tools & methods.
Experience with Problem Solving Methods.
Experience with Software and Electrical interfaces.

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 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 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300.

This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200. 


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.

 

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