Manager –Technical Leader Exterior Systems, Lighting & Wipers

Dearborn, MI, United States (Hybrid)

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...

Champion the deployment of the Exterior Systems, Lighting & Wiper technical strategy, to deliver globally consistent execution, stronger cross-functional alignment, and customer-focused outcomes.
This leadership position is responsible for technical content, strategy & processes for the Global Exterior Systems, Lighting, and Wiper Groups and will lead all technical aspects of our product strategy including early product concept development, business case alignment, supplier development, product verification & validation, launch/sign-off & quality assurance of products in the field.

The Technical Leader will also oversee foundation document creation & enforcement of prevent recurrence while guiding development of Exterior Systems, Lighting & Wipers standardized tools, methods & execution.

The Exterior Systems Technical Leader is a recognized and accomplished technical expert who demonstrates strong business acumen, operates effectively at a global scale, communicates confidently with all levels of leadership and has demonstrated abilities to manage ambiguity, make timely decisions, and drive program alignment.

What you'll do...

Partner with the Global Chief and Management Teammates to define, resolve, and communicate department technical strategies, objectives, mission, and values.

Own, maintain, and manage delivery of the Exterior Systems Technology Roadmap

Drive continuous benchmarking across the group

Drive Technical Design Reviews to ensure solutions are aligned with Ford Design Rules, Requirements, Quality standards, and rooted in Failure Mode Avoidance (FMA)

Drive development and execution of standard and modular solutions

Lead development & deployment of all commodity foundation documents including DFMEAs, SCCAFs, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DVP&R & integration manuals

Oversee ongoing maintenance/updates of commodity specific standards, specifications & verification methods

Partner with cross functional managers to maintain technical coherence and cross program consistency

Partner with Studio, Program Management, and Architecture to ensure early development is aligned with available technology and prioritization of the customers’ needs

Drive Prevent Recurrence processes and Campaign Prevent Activities forthe Global Exterior Systems, Lighting, and Wiper Groups

Support Critical Concern Review Group topics for Global Exterior Systems, Lighting, and Wiper Groups

Provide technical advice to Automotive Safety Office, Office of General Council & Design Analysis

Construct & develop simple and complex business cases for various designs & commercial negotiations

Support the professional development of the Global Exterior Systems, Lighting, and Wiper Groups
-Guide & oversee training, mentoring & provide consulting to department engineers, supervisors & other interfacing functions

You'll have...

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
• 10 years of experience in Exterior Systems (Fascias, Bumpers, Ornamentation,…