Tire-Wheel Assembly Engineer at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI

About Ford

Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, is a global automotive leader with over 120 years of innovation. From the iconic Model T to today's electric F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E, Ford pioneers sustainable mobility. As a Tire-Wheel Assembly Engineer, you'll contribute to Ford's vision of an all-electric future, engineering components that enhance vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. Join 183,000 team members driving the BlueOval™ transformation.

Role Overview

The Tire-Wheel Assembly Engineer at Ford in Dearborn, MI, plays a pivotal role in designing, testing, and validating wheel and tire systems for passenger vehicles, trucks, and SUVs. This full-time position involves advanced simulation, collaboration with design teams, and ensuring assemblies meet rigorous NVH, durability, and regulatory standards. Ideal for mechanical engineers passionate about automotive dynamics, this role offers hands-on impact on Ford's next-generation lineup.

Key Impact Areas

Focus on ride comfort, handling precision, and tire-wheel integration to deliver superior driver experiences. Leverage cutting-edge tools to innovate in EV wheel designs optimized for range and aerodynamics.

Key Responsibilities

As a Tire-Wheel Assembly Engineer, your core duties include:

• Leading the design and optimization of tire-wheel assemblies using CAD tools like CATIA and SolidWorks.
• Performing finite element analysis (FEA) and multi-body dynamics simulations with Adams or similar software.
• Conducting physical testing for durability, noise-vibration-harshness (NVH), and high-speed performance.
• Collaborating with chassis, suspension, and powertrain teams for seamless vehicle integration.
• Developing design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA) and ensuring compliance with SAE J2530 and FMVSS standards.
• Analyzing field data from customer vehicles to drive continuous improvements.
• Supporting supplier selection and quality assurance for tire and wheel components.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates need:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in tire-wheel engineering within the automotive sector.
• Strong proficiency in CAE tools (ANSYS, MSC Nastran, Adams Car) and CAD software.
• Deep knowledge of tire physics, wheel metallurgy, and vehicle dynamics.
• Experience with GD&T, prototyping, and instrumentation for test validation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with electric vehicle wheel designs, sustainability in materials, and Python/MATLAB for data analysis is a plus.

Benefits & Perks

Ford offers a premium compensation package designed for long-term success:

• Competitive base salary estimated at $65,000-$95,000, plus annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive Ford health plans with low premiums and wellness incentives.
• 401(k) retirement savings with up to 6% company match.
• 20+ days of paid time off, plus parental leave and flexible work options.
• Tuition assistance for advanced degrees and certifications.
• On-site fitness centers, EV charging, and employee vehicle discounts.

Career Growth

At Ford, your career accelerates. Tire-Wheel Assembly Engineers advance to senior roles, chief engineering positions, or leadership in Ford's Advanced Engineering teams. Access Ford College, mentorship programs, and global rotations. Many alumni lead EV programs or supplier innovations, with clear paths to director-level impact.

Why Join Us

Dearborn, MI, is the heart of Ford's innovation hub, steps from the Rouge Complex and Henry Ford Museum. Enjoy a collaborative culture emphasizing work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion. Ford's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 means your work shapes a greener future. Be part of winning teams launching best-sellers like the Bronco and Explorer.

Role FAQs

What tools will I use daily?

Expect heavy use of CATIA for design, Adams for dynamics, and ANSYS for structural analysis.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, Ford offers relocation support for qualifying candidates moving to Dearborn.

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid model with access to state-of-the-art labs; occasional travel to proving grounds.

How does Ford support professional development?

Through Ford College, certifications like Six Sigma, and conferences like SAE World Congress.

Ready to engineer the future of mobility? Apply for the Tire-Wheel Assembly Engineer role at Ford today and drive innovation forward. (Word count: 1,248)