Color & Material Designer

Overview

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.

Dearborn, MI – in‑office 4 days per week.

• Create, curate, and deliver Color, Material and Finish (CMF) solutions and specify all CMF applications on the exterior and interior of the vehicles.
• Ideate and create overall CMF design using concepts that embody a creative narrative, advanced functionality, and innovative user experience.
• Ensure integration of complex CMF into the overall vehicle design and align with cross‑functional teams across all stages of design.
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal teams to translate new designs into visual samples to validate feasibility and functionality.
• Partner with teammates in analysis of future consumer trends to identify brand‑relevant CMF narratives that inform cutting‑edge CMF design solutions.
• Develop digital and physical CMF presentations that embody the creative narrative and accurately depict design intent.
• Support all program timing, ensuring program and project deliverables are met within the program targets.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Color and Material Design, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of related work experience with a Master’s degree or 5 years of related work experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Automotive CMF design experience preferred.
• 3D visualization skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse disciplines.
• Highly collaborative and proactive both internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate in a wide range of formats for presenting future design strategies.
• Knowledge of the Colors and Materials design process.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, flexible, and able to multi‑task.
• Demonstrated understanding of color theory (hue, value, chroma, etc.).
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, VRED) and Microsoft Office tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel).
• Experience leveraging generative AI tools to accelerate early‑stage design ideation.
• Demonstrated capability in strategy creation and stewarding, guiding long‑term design visions from initial concept through successful implementation.
• Knowledge of materials innovation and emerging technologies.
• Proven experience in color development.
• Strong capability in trend‑based research and forecasting, synthesizing insights into actionable CMF strategies.
• Portfolio of your work.

• Master’s Degree (preferred) in Industrial Design, Color and Material Design, or a related discipline.
• Expertise and knowledge of 3D prototyping, property builds, etc.
• Working‑level knowledge of fabrics and trims associated with the development process.

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new‑parent ramp‑up programs, subsidized backup 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.

Salary grade 6‑8, ranging from $74,300 to $166,200. Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience; base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates 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. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week.