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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.

Responsibilities

• 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 for the 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

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
• 10 years of experience in Exterior Systems (Fascias, Bumpers, Ornamentation, Lighting, Wipers, Exterior Mirrors & Running boards)or Electro-mechanical Systems
• Candidate must provide an evidence book or portfolio detailing technical experiences, key accomplishments, recognitions, training, publications, patents & other supporting evidence
• Ability to build strong working relationships with all stakeholders including program teams, purchasing, manufacturing, STA & suppliers

• Preferred:
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 15+ years of experience in Exterior Systems or Electro-mechanical system design, specifically focused on Wipers, mechanisms, latching or lighting.
• An aptitude for developing people & processes
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis
• Extensive experience working with FMVSS and IIHS safety critical systems & components

Benefits

• 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.