> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1987168-design-release-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1987168-design-release-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Design & Release Engineer - **Company:** Ford Motor Company - **Location:** Dearborn, MI, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $85,400.0 - $143,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Release Management, Systems Integration, Hfss, Modeling and Simulation, Automotive Software, GNSS - **Published:** August 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/51D30A4A7A2D4ACAAA59F09AA493CC7D/job/ ## About the Role Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer or Aerospace Engineering. 3+ years of experience with electrical component design and development process in the automotive industry. Strong interpersonal/team participation skills. Strong analytical skills. Even better, you may have... Master's degree in Electrical, Computer or Aerospace Engineering. Experience and understanding of AM/FM/DAB, Satellite Radio, Cellular, GNSS and C-V2X reception theory. 2+ years of experience with Radio Frequency (RF) receiver/tuner or antenna system designs. Packaging knowledge of automotive antenna systems. Experience working with Tier 1 supplier to develop components for automotive applications. ## Description As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and connected, the Core Antenna D&R Engineer is critical to the success of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, autonomous driving features, and the overall digital customer experience. You ensure the "backbone" of the vehicle's communication system is robust, reliable, and future proof. The Core Antenna D&R Engineer bridges the gap between electromagnetic theory and physical vehicle implementation. In this role, you will be responsible for taking an antenna from a conceptual requirement through RF simulation, supplier sourcing, physical packaging, and final production release. You will play a key role in shaping the future of connected and autonomous vehicles at Ford Motor Company. What you'll do... Design & Simulation: Utilize electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST) to predict antenna performance, gain, and radiation patterns based on vehicle placement (e.g., roof, glass, or body panels). Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with Styling/Studio to ensure antennas meet aesthetic requirements and with Body/Trim teams to manage physical packaging and cabling. Supplier Management: Lead Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers through the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process, ensuring they meet Ford's technical specifications, cost targets, and delivery timelines. Chair Program Attribute Team (PAT) meetings to track product development activities. Validation & Testing: Oversee Over-the-Air (OTA) testing in anechoic chambers and field testing to verify performance against requirements like Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) and Total Radiated Power (TRP). Release Management: Manage the formal release of components into Ford systems (such as WERS), including the creation of Engineering Specifications (ES), Statements of Work (SOW), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Quality History, etc. ## Related Videos - [Car's are Technology on Wheels - Impact of Software and IT Competence in Automotive](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/780-car-s-are-technology-on-wheels-impact-of-software-and-it-competence-in-automotive) - [How to govern Vibe Coding for the Enterprise](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100290-how-to-govern-vibe-coding-for-the-enterprise) - [Agile work at CARIAD – Creating a customer web application for controlling the vehicle ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/200-agile-work-at-cariad-creating-a-customer-web-application-for-controlling-the-vehicle) - [How to Survive The Worst Launch of Your Career with Brenda Romero](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/609-how-to-survive-the-worst-launch-of-your-career-with-brenda-romero) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Digital Quality & Trust: The Quality Tree Framework for Responsible AI & Software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2015-digital-quality-trust-the-quality-tree-framework-for-responsible-ai-software) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [How to Write a CV and Interview if You Don't Fully Qualify For The Job](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/183-how-to-write-a-cv-and-interview-if-you-don-t-fully-qualify-for-the-job) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager)