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.
In this position...
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.
ResponsibilitiesWhat 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.
QualificationsYou'll have...
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.
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 6 and ranges from $85,400-$143,200.
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.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#LI-RR1
Skills Required
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (HFSS, CST).
Ford Motor Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ford Motor Company and has not been reviewed or approved by Ford Motor Company.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage start on day one with options that include zero-premium plans, free mental health support, and wellness resources. For represented hourly employees, health plans are described as low-cost with strong coverage value.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match and additional company contributions is available from day one, alongside life and disability coverage. Pension eligibility in certain situations and financial-planning support reinforce long‑term security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave, fertility, surrogacy, and adoption benefits, plus a ramp‑up program for returning parents, reflect a family‑focused package. Flexible Family Care days and generous time‑off options help address short‑term caregiving and personal needs.
Ford Motor Company Insights
What We Do
Ford is a global company with shared ideals and a deep sense of family. From our earliest days as a pioneer of modern transportation, we have sought to make the world a better place – one that benefits lives, communities and the planet. We are here to provide the means for every person to move and pursue their dreams, serving as a bridge between personal freedom and the future of mobility. In that pursuit, our 186,000 employees around the world help to set the pace of innovation every day.
