Class A - Surface Designer

Ford • Dearborn, MI

21h • $74,300 - $166,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Motor Company is hiring a Class A Surface Designer within Ford Design. The Surface Development Primary leads surface quality and Class A surface development for a program, integrating engineering requirements while maintaining the design vision. This role leads program surface progression and expert evaluation, coordinates cross-system surface execution, and ensures surface interfaces are designed in context with coordinated program and supplier data.

The designer maintains a coordinated Class A surface database and manages surface data changes and program product structure. The role also drives resolution of surface data issues through reviews, supports workload distribution and assignment prioritization, and mentors Class A Surface Designers in delivering feasible math surfaces aligned with program milestones and design intent. During K-Loops, the designer leads surface development before Discovery Complete and, afterward, incorporates technical requirements into the surface. On applicable programs, the designer works with Production Studio after K6 to preserve design vision through surface verification.

This is a hybrid position. Candidates within commuting distance of a Ford hub may be required to work onsite four or more days per week.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in Class A Surfacing, including exterior and interior commodities and total vehicle system compatibility.
• Creative and artistic insight, with the ability to progress surface data consistently with Design Language.
• Strong technical skills with Class A surfacing tools, data management tools, and visualization tools.
• High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or equivalent; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong understanding of the Design Development and Feasibility Process and how it drives the design process through FC, UPVX, and FAA GPDS milestones.
• Understanding of craftsmanship, the DPA Process, and system compatibility.
• Ability to evaluate design alternatives and provide a recommendation.
• Interpersonal skills, including the ability to plan and organize work using departmental project management tools such as Surface Tracker and Surface Change Request System.
• Ability to develop and track a plan to deliver geometry through GPDS milestones.
• Good communication skills and collaborative behavior for daily interaction with Design Studio, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other affected activities.
• Knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead program surface progression, Design surface expert evaluation, and the critique sheet process.
• Lead cross-system surface execution to ensure full system surface compatibility.
• Confirm program surface interfaces are designed in context within a coordinated data set, including supplier data.
• Develop and maintain a coordinated Class A surface database, such as Reference Manager.
• Incorporate technical, attribute, and program requirements into surfaces while maintaining the design vision.
• Drive resolution of surface data issues by leading power wall and digital reviews.
• Manage surface changes in SDMS (Surface Data Management system).
• Maintain program product structure and part history in Teamcenter to accurately represent design evolution and change control.
• Support the DTO Supervisor with workload distribution and prioritization of assignments within the Surfacing Team.
• Facilitate program surface progression through the K-Loops and develop and mentor Class A Surface Designers in delivering feasible math surfaces aligned with program milestone requirements and design intent.
• Lead surface development before Discovery Complete during the K-Loops, and lead incorporation of technical requirements into the surface after Discovery Complete.
• On applicable programs, work with Production Studio after K6 to maintain the design vision through surface verification.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED