Class A - Surface Designer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford Design is seeking a Class A Surface Designer to lead surface quality and Class A surface development for vehicle programs. The role integrates engineering requirements while maintaining design vision, and works across program teams to ensure surface compatibility and coordinated data. The position is hybrid; 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.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 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, such as ICEM Surf, CATIA ISD, Alias, Teamcenter, and Reference Manager.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong understanding of Design Development and Feasibility processes and how they drive design through FC / UPVX / FAA GPDS milestones.
• Understanding of Craftsmanship, DPA process, and system compatibility.
• Proven ability to evaluate design alternatives and provide recommendations.
• Interpersonal skills, including planning and organizing 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, surface expert evaluations, 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 appropriate technical, attribute, and program requirements into surfaces while maintaining 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 assignment prioritization within the Surfacing Team.
• Facilitate program surface progression through the K-Loops.
• Develop and assist (mentor) Class A Surface Designers in delivering feasible math surfaces aligned with program milestones and design intent.
• Lead surface development during K-Loops through pre-Discovery Complete, and lead incorporation of technical requirements into the surface after Discovery Complete.
• On applicable programs, work with Production Studio after K6 to maintain design vision through the surface verification process.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup child care.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED